Hidden fastener unit and related method of use

ABSTRACT

A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements. The board engagement elements can engage the groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/328,072, filed May 24, 2021, entitled HIDDENFASTENER UNIT AND METHOD OF USE, which is a continuation-in-part of andclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/689,625, filedNov. 11, 2019, entitled HIDDEN FASTENER UNIT AND METHOD OF USE, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/537,128,filed Aug. 9, 2019, entitled HIDDEN FASTENER UNIT AND METHOD OF USE,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/011,213, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,378,218 issued Aug. 13, 2019, entitledHIDDEN FASTENER UNIT AND METHOD OF USE, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/648,131, now U.S. Pat. No.D850,897 issued Jun. 11, 2019 entitled FASTENER POSITIONING DEVICE, andwhich is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/649,771, now U.S. Pat. No. D853,829 issued Jul. 16, 2019, entitledFASTENER POSITIONING DEVICE, and which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/674,247, filed May 21, 2018, U.S.Provisional application 62/635,745, filed Feb. 27, 2018 and 62/545,709,filed Aug. 15, 2017, and this application is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/758,604, filed Nov. 17, 2020,entitled FASTENER POSITIONING DEVICE, and this application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/714,015,filed Nov. 20, 2019, entitled FASTENER POSITIONING DEVICE, which are allhereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fastener unit configured to fastenworkpieces, such as boards, to support structures, such as joists, andmore particularly to a fastener unit that engages a groove in the sideof a board to secure the board to a support structure.

There are a variety of structures, such as decks, platforms andflooring, that include horizontal floors supported by an underlyingsupport structure. The structures typically include boards that areplaced side-by-side one another. The boards typically are arranged toextend cross support structures, such as joists, disposed under theboards at an angle, sometimes at a right angle. The boards usually arefastened to the joists using fasteners, such as nails or screws. Thenails or screws can frequently become discolored over time, or can workthemselves loose from the board and project upward from the boardsurface. Not only are these results aesthetically displeasing, they canpresent safety hazards.

Some manufacturers have developed hidden fastener systems that fitloosely within grooves of adjacent boards. These hidden fastenerstypically include a biscuit-shaped upper plate having two horizontalflanges that fit into the grooves defined by the sides of adjacent deckboards, a single center hole through which a fastener extends to secureto the underlying joist, and a base that extends downward from the upperplate to an underlying joist. While the horizontal flanges can engagethe grooves, these elements typically do not engage those groovesforcibly enough to tack the boards to the underlying joist and preventthem from moving during expansion and contraction under changingtemperatures. These systems typically also require a user to manuallyhold the plate in alignment with one or more grooves of the boards asthe fastener is advanced, which can be cumbersome. Depending on theheight of the base and the distance of the groove from the board lowersurface, sometimes these items can be mismatched so that the flanges donot fit well in or align with the grooves. In addition, the flanges areof a fixed thickness so that if that thickness is mismatched relative toa groove, the plate cannot fit in the groove, let alone secure the boardto the underlying joist. Further, where a support structure includes adouble or triple joist, with two or more joists positioned immediatelyadjacent one another, the foregoing fastener systems might not beproperly sized to conceal those joists or fit within the associatedconfined spaces.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of fastenerunits that are configured to secure grooved boards to underlying supportstructures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fastener unit and related method to secure a board to a support isprovided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip elementextending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage agroove of the board, and at least one board engagement element extendingfrom the spacer block, configured to secure the spacer block adjacentthe groove to establish a gap between the board and another board.

In one embodiment, the board engagement element can be a resilientcompression element that is vertically compressible so that portions ofit can be compressed from an open mode to a compressed mode. In thecompressed mode, the board engagement element is sized and dimensionedsmaller than a width of the groove so that the element can fit withinthe groove. After placement in the groove, the portions can expandwithin the groove to forcibly engage the groove, thereby securing theresilient compression element and the joined spacer block adjacent thegroove and a side surface of the board.

In a further embodiment, the board engagement element is a resilientcompression element that extends laterally from the spacer body, and inthe same direction as a portion of the grip element. Optionally, thegrip element and resilient compression element can extend rearwardly,from a rearward face of the spacer body, an equal amount or distance.Further optionally, the resilient compression element can include afront edge that does not extend forwardly, from a forward face of thespacer body, while the grip element can extend forwardly anotherdistance from the forward face of the spacer body.

In another embodiment, the spacer body is of a thickness extending froma forward face and a rearward face. The thickness can be optionally lessthan 0.200 inches, further optionally less than 0.250 inches, and evenfurther optionally less than 0.500 inches to provide a corresponding gapbetween adjacent boards.

In still another embodiment, the resilient compression element includesfirst and second portions, optionally in the form of wings, plates,rounded sections, ellipsoids, polygonal elements, and the like, any ofwhich can be referred to as wings herein, that function similar toresilient springs. These portions can be pinched toward one another, toconvert the resilient compression element from an open mode to acompressed mode. In the compressed mode, the portions can be located inthe groove of the board, which optionally can be ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch wideor other dimensions depending on the application. When the portions arereleased, they can forcibly engage the groove to hold the fastener unitcentered in the groove.

In a further embodiment, the fastener unit can be equipped with anadditional resilient compression element, projecting from the spacerbody on opposite lateral sides of the spacer body. The first and secondresilient compression elements can cooperate to forcibly hold the spacerbody and fastener unit in place adjacent the groove during installationof the fastener. In turn, because the unit is self-supported, a user canuse both hands to manipulate a tool, such as a power drill, to installthe fastener. Also, because the unit is self-supported, a user can placemultiple fastener units, place an adjacent board, and later come back tofasten down one or more boards with the fastener units.

In still a further embodiment, the spacer body defines a fastener holethat can include an upper portion and a lower portion. These upper andlower portions can have different diameters or dimensions to accommodatedifferent screw types. In some cases the lower portion can include adiameter that is less than a diameter of the upper portion so that thetip of the screw can fit within the lower portion, while threads abovethat tip can fit within the upper portion. Optionally, the screw can bepartially threaded into engagement with the spacer body, and inparticular the interior surfaces of a first fastener hole defined by thespacer body.

In still yet a further embodiment, the grip element can be constructedfrom a first material, such as a metal and/or composite, while thespacer body, resilient compression element and other features can beconstructed from a polymeric material. The polymeric material can beovermolded to the grip element to secure the grip element thereto, withthe grip element at least partially entrapped in the spacer body.

In even a further embodiment, a fastener unit can include a spacer bodydefining a first fastener hole having first and second differentinternal dimensions, a threaded fastener supported by the spacer bodywithin the first fastener hole, a grip element joined with the spacerbody and configured to fit within and engage a groove of a board, andfirst and second joist legs extending downward from the spacer body andconfigured to straddle and clampingly engage sides of an underlyingjoist.

In another embodiment, the board engagement element can be a resilientcompression element that includes a fixed wing and a moveable wing. Themoveable wing can be disposed at an angle to the fixed wing and isjoined with the fixed wing at a junction. The moveable wing can bevertically compressible to move toward the fixed wing, from an open modeto a compression mode so that at least a portion of the resilientcompression element can fit within the groove of the board.

In still another embodiment, the junction at which the fixed andmoveable wings are joined can be spaced from the spacer block, such thatthe moveable wing is resiliently compressible independent from thespacer block.

In yet another embodiment, after inserting an end of the moveable winginto the groove of the board, the moveable wing can be pressed against alower surface of the groove while pivoting the fastener unit to compressthe moveable wing toward the fixed wing until the an end of the fixedwing can be inserted into the groove. After placement of both wingswithin the groove, the wings can forcibly engage the groove, with themoveable wing pressing against the lower surface of the groove and thefixed wing pressing against an upper surface of the groove, therebyholding the spacer block adjacent the groove of the board.

The current embodiments of the fastener unit and related methods of useprovide benefits in hidden fasteners that previously have beenunachievable. For example, where the fastener unit includes amulti-dimensioned fastener hole defined by the spacer body, the spacerbody can be configured to hold a fastener therein, yet not split orbecome damaged when the fastener is advanced through the spacer body.Where the fastener includes one or more fracturable joints between thespacer body and one or more of the board engagement elements, thoseelements can be easily removed and discarded from the unit to fit aparticular joist combination or confined space, or can becomedisassociated from the remainder of the fastener unit after performing aparticular function, such as clamping or securing the fastener unit to aboard. Where the unit includes the board engagement element, such as aresilient compression element, that element can secure and hold thefastener unit in place adjacent the groove, without the need foradditional hands to hold the unit. This can enable a user to placemultiple fastener units along a board groove, install another boardadjacent those units, and then come back and secure all the fastenerunits so that the boards are held in a fixed manner relative to theunderlying support structure. Where the grip element is included havingone or more downward protrusions or cleats, those elements can forciblyengage the groove to prevent the board from creeping or moving duringexpansion and contraction thereof during and under differenttemperatures. Where the spacer body is of diminished thickness, theentire fastener unit can be well concealed between adjacent boards, yetprovide firm securement of those boards to underlying support structure,and provide a gap large enough to accommodate a fastener head passingbetween the boards. Where the board engagement element cooperates with agrip element, the fastener unit can be secured adjacent a side surfaceof a board, engaging either the upper surface of the board or the lowersurface of the board in a clamping mode of the fastener unit and boardengagement element. Further, where the board engagement element is ableto be disassociated from the spacer body and remainder of the fastenerunit, that component can be used to temporarily hold the fastener unitin ways, locations and orientations previously unattainable. Stillfurther, where the unit includes the resilient compression element, thatelement can include a moveable or collapsible wing that fit into a rangeof possible groove heights, works at various angles to the joist orunderlying support structure, and/or inserts easily.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention willbe more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the descriptionof the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited to the details ofoperation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thedrawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodimentsand of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways notexpressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may beused in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwiseexpressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed aslimiting the invention to any specific order or number of components.Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from thescope of the invention any additional steps or components that might becombined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a current embodiment of the fastenerunit with a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the fastener unit about to beinstalled in a first groove of a first board;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the fastener unit with the resilientcompression elements being converted from an open mode to a compressionmode;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the resilient compression elementsinstalled in a groove and holding the fastener unit adjacent the board;

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit installed withingrooves of adjacent boards and establishing a gap with a spacer bodybetween those adjacent boards;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of thefastener unit;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the first alternative embodiment of thefastener unit;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of thefastener unit being installed relative to a groove of a board and anunderlying support;

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the first alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit installed within grooves of adjacent boards andestablishing a gap with a spacer body between those adjacent boards;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including one or more stabilizer bars;

FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of the second alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit installed with a grip element in groups of adjacentboards, and with the one or more stabilizer bars engaging a lowersurface of a board to provide further stabilization of the fastener unit

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a grip element with one or more pressure feetand a timing spacer block;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the third alternative embodiment of thefastener unit installed on an underlying joist and at least partiallyinstalled in a groove of a board;

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the third alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit installed within grooves of a boards and the fastenerinstalled to apply force well within the grooves via the one or morepressure feet, and the timing spacer block bottomed out against theunderlying joist;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the fastener unit in an open mode;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the fastener unit in a compression mode;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit as the moveablewing is being inserted into a groove of the a board;

FIG. 25 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit as it is beingtransitioned from an open mode to a compressed mode;

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit in the compressedmode as the fixed is being inserted into the groove of the first board;

FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit with a secondboard being installed adjacent to the first board;

FIG. 28 is a side sectional view of the fastener unit installed withingrooves of adjacent boards and establishing a gap with a spacer bodybetween those adjacent boards;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of thefastener unit including a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 30 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the fastener unit with the resilientcompression elements being converted from an open mode to a compressionmode;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit including a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 35 is a right side front view of the fastener unit, the left sidebeing a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 36 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 36A is a bottom perspective view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the fastener unit with the resilientcompression elements being converted from an open mode to a compressionmode, and gripping the fastener unit in a first groove of a first boardso that the fastener unit is supported against the side surface of theboard;

FIG. 38 is another side view of the fastener unit in the compressionmode with a second board spaced from the first board by a gap and theopposing resilient compression elements further gripping a second grooveof the second board so that the fastener unit is supported between thefirst and second boards;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of still another alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit including a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 40 is a right side front view of the fastener unit, the left sidebeing a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 41 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 42 is another side view of the fastener unit in the compressionmode with a second board spaced from a first board by a gap and theopposing resilient compression elements further gripping a second grooveof the second board so that the fastener unit is supported between thefirst and second boards;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of still another alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit including a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 44 is a right side front view of the fastener unit, the left sidebeing a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 45 is a front view of the fastener unit;

FIG. 46 is another side view of the fastener unit in the compressionmode with a second board spaced from a first board by a gap and theopposing resilient compression elements further gripping a second grooveof the second board so that the fastener unit is supported between thefirst and second boards;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of still another alternative embodiment ofthe fastener unit including a fastener associated with the unit;

FIG. 48 is a right side front view of the fastener unit, the left sidebeing a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 49 is a front view of the fastener unit; and

FIG. 50 is another side view of the fastener unit in the compressionmode with a second board spaced from a first board by a gap and theopposing resilient compression elements further gripping a second grooveof the second board so that the fastener unit is supported between thefirst and second boards.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A current embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 ,and generally designated 10. The fastener unit 10 can generally includea spacer body 20, a grip element 30 protruding forwardly and rearwardlyfrom the spacer block, also referred to as a spacer body herein, and oneor more board engagement elements, such as a first resilient compressionelement 41 and a second resilient compression element 42. Thesecompression elements can be joined with the spacer body optionally viarespective fracturable joints 48 and 49. A fastener 90 can be at leastpartially disposed through the spacer body 20 and/or the grip element 30when the unit is in an uninstalled state as shown in FIG. 1 .

The current embodiments of the fastener unit 10 are well suited for avariety of building and construction projects, such as commercial,residential and other construction projects. The fastener units,however, can be modified for use in other applications, such asautomotive, marine, industrial and/or consumer products. As describedherein, the fastener units can be used in the application of groovedboards or lap boards that are fastened to an underlying supportstructure. The boards can be constructed from wood, plastic, composites,metal, ceramic, tile, masonry or other materials depending on theapplication.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the boards 101, 102 can include respectivegrooves 103 and 104. These grooves can include a groove depth GD ofoptionally 1/16 inch, further optionally ⅛ inch, even further optionally¼ inch, yet further optionally ½ inch or other depths depending on theparticular application. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 , the groove can bebounded by upper 105 and lower 107 lobes or projections that transitionto the upper and lower surfaces of the board 101. Although shown as acontinuous groove, each of the respective grooves 103 and 104 can beintermittent and/or discontinuous, depending on the particularapplication and board construction. Each groove 103 also can include alower wall 109L, a rearward wall 109R and an upper wall 109U. Thesewalls can be radiused and can transition smoothly or cleanly to oneanother as shown. Alternatively, they can be joined at right angles,depending on the application.

The fastener unit 10 of the current embodiment will be describedgenerally in connection with joining boards 101, 102 to an underlyingjoist 106, where the deck boards lay across an upper surface 106U of thejoist. The joist 106 of course can be any support structure or elementand can be constructed from any type of material, such as wood, plastic,composites, metal, ceramic, tile, masonry or other materials dependingon the application. Further, it will be appreciated that the fastenerunit can be used in conjunction with any type of decking, flooring,covering, roofing or other components.

Turning now to the fastener unit 10, each of the respective components,such as the spacer block 20, board engagement elements or resilientcompression elements 41, 42, grip element 30 and fastener 90 will now bedescribed in more detail. Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , the spacer block 20includes a front surface 21 and an opposing rear surface 22. Thesesurfaces are on opposite sides of the vertical axis VA of the spacerbody 20. This vertical axis VA can correspond to a longitudinal axis ofthe fastener 90. As described further below, a first fastener hole FF1is aligned with this vertical axis VA. The spacer body 20 can include afirst side surface 23 and an opposing second side surface 24.

The spacer block can define a thickness T1 that extends between thefront surface 21 and the opposing rear surface 22. This thicknesscorresponds to a preselected gap G (FIG. 7 ) that to be located betweenadjacently placed boards 101, 102. This gap and thickness can beoptionally at least 0.180 inches, further optionally at least 0.200inches, further optionally at least 0.250 inches, even furtheroptionally at least 0.300 inches, yet further optionally at least 0.350inches, further optionally at least 0.400 inches, yet further optionallyat least 0.450 inches, even further optionally at least 0.500 inches, orwider or increments thereof, depending on the application and thedesired spacing between adjacent deck boards. Alternatively, the gap andthickness can be optionally less than 0.180 inches, further optionallyless than 0.200 inches, still further optionally less than 0.250 inches,even further optionally less than 0.300 inches, yet further optionallyless than 0.350 inches, further optionally less than 0.400 inches, yetfurther optionally less than 0.450 inches, even further optionally lessthan 0.500 inches, or narrower or increments thereof, depending on theapplication and the desired spacing between adjacent deck boards.Optionally, the thickness T1 and corresponding gap G set by the spacerbody can be equal to and/or greater than the diameter DF of the fastenerhead 90H. In this manner, the fastener head can fit between and notexcessively mar board surfaces that are placed adjacent the spacer body.

The spacer body 20 can set this gap G by way of the front surface 21engaging in adjacent board, for example, board 102 in FIG. 7 , and therearward opposing face 22 engaging the board 101 as shown in FIG. 7 .With this spacer body being disposed generally between the upper andlower lobes or projections 105, 107 that straddle the respective grooves103 and 104, the spacer body effectively prevents those boards 101 and102 from being placed any closer to one another than the gap G due tothe thickness T1 of the spacer body 20 there between. As illustrated,the spacer body front surface 21 can engage the upper lobe 105 of aboard above the groove 104. A lower portion of the spacer body 26 canengage the lower lobe 107 of the board, generally below the groove.Optionally, the spacer body can engage portions of the side surface ofthe board in the regions of the lobes 105 and 107 above and below thegroove 103.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the spacer body upper portion 27 can includeor define a recess 27R that extends from an upper most surface 27U, to alocation adjacent the grip element 30. This recess 27R can be flanked byopposing ramped surfaces 27S. These ramped surfaces 27S can facilitateinsertion of the fastener 90 into the first fastener hole FF1 asdescribed further below.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the lower portion 26 can include a lowersurface 26L that can be generally flat. The distance D2 between thelowermost portion of the grip element 30 and the lower surface 26L ofthe lower portion 26 can be less than the distance D3 between the lowerwall 109L of the groove 103 as shown in FIG. 5 . With this distance D2less than D3, the spacer block 20 optionally will not interfere with thegrip element 30 being brought into contact and engagement with the lowersurface 109L of the groove. For example, if the distance D2 wasoptionally greater than D3, this might interfere with the engagement ofthe grip element 30 with the components of the groove 103. Of course,this alternative construction can be implemented for differentapplications where grip element engagement is irrelevant.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , the spacer body 20 also can define a gripelement recess 28. This grip element recess can extend generally throughthe spacer body, from the forward surface 21 to the opposing rearwardsurface 22. This grip element recess can be of a corresponding shaperelative to the shape of the grip element 30. The recess 28 can be inthe form of an inverted U- or C-shaped channel that opens downwardtoward a joist 106. This recess 28 can be sized to enable the gripelement 30 to be inserted through the spacer body and in some cases,friction fit and held in place relative to the spacer body. Of course,there can be some gaps between the sides of the recess and the gripelement 30 so that the spacer body does not hold that grip element well.In such constructions, the fastener 90, extending through a grip elementaperture, also called a second fastener hole SFH defined by the gripelement 30 and into the first fastener hole FF1 of the spacer body 20.Due to the engagement of the threads 90T of the fastener with the firstfastener hole FF1, the fastener can secure the grip element in placerelative to the spacer body. Optionally, the grip element 30 can beovermolded or 3-D printed over with material that forms the spacer body.In such a case, the grip element can be at least partially encapsulatedby the spacer body and held in place accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the first fastener hole FF1 can include an upperportion FF1U and a lower portion FF1L. The upper portion and lowerportion can be of similar geometric shapes. For example, the upper andlower portions can both be cylindrical. In some cases, however, one canbe frustoconical and the other can be cylindrical. In yet otherapplications, the shape can be rectangular, square, polygonal,ellipsoid, rounded or other geometric shapes. These respective portionscan have different diameters or dimensions. For example, the upperportion can include a diameter DU and the lower portion can include adiameter DL. The lower portion diameter DL can be less than the upperportion diameter DU. This can enable the tip 90TP of the fastener 90,which can be pointed or frustoconical to be inserted into and have itsthreads partially bite into the lower portion FF1L. This in turn, canenable the fastener 90 to be slightly threaded into the spacer body sothat it is secured thereto via those threads and the interaction of thethreads with the first fastener hole FF1. It will be noted that althoughreferred to herein as a diameter, that phrase encompasses any dimensionof the first fastener hole, regardless of whether the respectiveportions of the hole are circular, elliptical, rounded or instead arepolygonal.

Turning to FIGS. 1-5 , the grip element 30 can be in the form of a C-,V- or U-shaped channel. The grip element can be joined with the spacerbody and optionally disposed within a spacer grip element recess oraperture 28. The grip element can include a base 33 and optional first31 and second 32 downwardly extending protrusions, cleats or gussets.These cleats can optionally be integrally formed with the base 33. Thecleats can be spaced a distance from one another and relative to thesecond fastener hole SFH, and thus the fastener 90 and the fastener head90H. In particular, the cleats can be spaced so that when the head 90His tightened and engages the grip element, first and second portions onopposite sides or ends of the head or its diameter respectively canexert forces downward directly over and on the first and second cleats31, 32, without bending the grip element. The cleats can function asreinforcing members to the base in this manner, particularly when thefastener head 90H is pressing down on the base, to optionally preventbuckling of that base. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2 , the cleats 31,32 can be spaced so their interior facing surfaces are a distance D8 ofoptionally less than 0.500 inches from one another, further optionallyless than 0.250 inches from one another, even further optionally lessthan 0.200 inches from one another, yet further optionally less than0.180 inches from one another, and still further optionally about 0.208from one another. The diameter DF of the fastener can be equal to, lessthan or greater than this distance D8. Optionally, the diameter DF canbe equal to or slightly greater than the distance D8. In turn, this canmaintain the cleats under or immediately adjacent the lower portions ofthe head 90H when those portions engage the grip element. Again, thiscan add rigidity and support closer to the fastener as it is tightenedso the base and grip element in general do not deform, bend or buckledue to the downward force exerted by the fastener in the middle of thegrip element.

These cleats can be configured to engage the grooves 103 and 104 of therespective boards with which the fastener unit 10 is used. As shown, thecleats can include flat lower edges, however these edges can besharpened so that they are angled and come to points. Although notshown, the cleat lower edges can be serrated and/or include teeth tobetter bite into the groove of the board when the fastener unit issecured in place with the fastener 90.

As mentioned above, the grip element 30 includes a grip element apertureor second fastener hole SFH. This fastener hole can be aligned with thefirst fastener hole FF1 of the spacer body 20 so that the fastener canfit through both simultaneously. This second fastener hole SFH can bedisposed in the center of the base 33, and optionally centered halfwaybetween the forward edge 36 and rearward edge 37 of the grip element 30as shown in FIG. 2 .

Optionally, the second fastener hole SFH can be a circular hole drilledthrough the base 33. In other cases, the second fastener hole SFH can bea recess ground through the base and one or more of the cleats 31 or 32,but only from a single side. This can enable the grip element to retainenough material so that the head 90H of the fastener 90 will engage thegrip element and pull it toward the underlying joist 106. The secondfastener hole can be large enough to accept the threads of a fastenertherethrough, but smaller than the diameter of the fastener head so thatthe head engages and pulls the grip element when tightened.

The grip element can also include a forwardly extending portion 38 thatextends forwardly of the forward surface 21 of the spacer body 20. Thegrip element can also include a rearward portion 37 that extendsrearwardly of the rearward face 22 of the spacer body. The forwardportion and rearward portions of the grip element can be of lengths L1and L2, which can be equal extending from the respective forward andrearward faces of the spacer body. Of course, in some applications thedistances and lengths can vary.

The grip element 30 can be constructed from a variety of materials, suchas metal, composites, polymers, ceramics, reinforced composites,polymers and the like. The grip element can be strong enough so that itdoes not buckle or collapse when the fastener head 90H engages it andpulls the grip element 30 into the lower surface 109L of the boardgroove 103. In this manner, the fastener 90 pulls the grip element 30into tight engagement with that lower surface 109L or other componentsof the groove 103. This in turn, clamps the board 101 down to theunderlying support structure 106. Due to this clamping, the board 101effectively can be prevented from moving upon expansion and contractionof that board when subjected to different environmental conditions, suchas heating and cooling. This can prevent the board from creeping in onedirection or the other or generally becoming uneven.

Optionally, although shown as an inverted channel, the grip element canbe in the form of a small tube with corresponding teeth, a single flatpiece of high-strength steel, optionally with serrations or knurling onits lower surface, or other forms, depending on the application and thematerials from which the boards are constructed and/or as well as thedesired holding strength.

As mentioned above, the fastener unit 10 can include first 41 and second42 resilient compression elements. These resilient compression elementscan be similar in structure and therefore only one will be described indetail here. It also will be appreciated that one of the resilientcompression elements can be eliminated from the design in certainapplications. In further applications, that area of the fastener unitcan be occupied by a simple flange or leg that extends outwardly fromthe side surface of the spacer body 20, where that component is notcompressible or movable from an open mode to a compressed mode as with aresilient compression element.

The first resilient compression element 41 can extend outwardly from thefirst side surface 23 of the spacer body 20. The second resilientcompression element 42 can extend outwardly from the second side surface24 of the spacer body, which is opposite the side 23. Thus, theresilient compression elements optionally can be symmetric about thevertical axis VA as shown in FIG. 3 . Generally, the resilientcompression elements 41 and 42 can be joined on opposite sides of thevertical axis VA. In this manner, they can engage the groove distal fromone another to provide two or four points of engagement and contactbetween the fastener unit and the groove, not counting the engagement bythe grip element 30.

The first resilient compression element can include a verticallycompressible upper wing 41UW and a vertically compressible lower wing41LW. These wings can be joined at a junction 41J. The wings asillustrated are generally in the form of flat plates angled relative toanother and joined at apex at the junction 41J. Of course, in otherapplications these wings can be curved, rounded, or of other shapes.These upper and lower wings can be designed to be vertically compressedin direction VC as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . By vertically compressible,it is meant that the a wing or component or portion of the resilientcompression element can be moved in direction of the arrows VC,generally toward a plane P1 that is orthogonal to or otherwisetransverse to the vertical axis VA of the spacer body 20. Due to theirresilient nature, however, these portions resiliently deform and areurged to expand and re-attain their previous configuration in an openmode of those elements as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 . After application offorces F to move the wings toward one another and/or generally towardthe plane P1, due to the resilient nature of the wings, those wings areself-urged to open back up to the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .

The resilient compression elements 41, 42 are operable in an open mode,as shown in FIG. 3 and a compressed mode as shown in FIGS. 5-7 . In theopen mode, the fastener unit 10 is not yet installed relative to agroove of a board. In that configuration, the ends or outermost portionsof the wings, farthest from the spacer body 20, are disposed a distanceD5 from one another. This distance D5 in the open mode can be less thanthe height GH of the groove. Because of the vertically compressiblenature of the resilient wings 42UW and 42LW of the resilient compressionelement 42, these wings can be moved toward one another or generallytoward a spacer body horizontal reference plane, that is, the firstplane P1. Optionally, this plane P1 can pass through the grip elementrecess 28 and/or the portions of the grip element 30. When these wingsare vertically compressed under a vertical compression force F, thedistance D6 between them decreases. This distance D6 can be less thanthe groove height GH. Optionally, the compression elements upper andlower portions can be separated by a variable distance. This distancecan be varied so that the resilient compression elements can fit withina particular groove of a board.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the outer ends 41E of the wings, and generally theresilient compression element 41, are free ends that extended the space.That is, they are not connected to one another. Optionally, in someapplications, these elements and the ends can be connected to oneanother, provided that the connection allows vertical compression indirection VC. As an example, the upper and lower wings can be joinedwith corresponding wings, in the shape of “V”, that extend outwardlyfrom the ends 41E. In turn, this allows these components to becompressed. In other constructions, the vertically compressible wingscan be in the form of elongated elliptical or circular shapes that arestructured to enable them to be compressed and reduce their overallvertical dimension, optionally to some dimension that is less than thegroove height GH of the groove 103.

With reference to FIG. 5 , in operation, a user can manually apply aforce F to vertically compress the wings 41 and 42 in direction VCtoward the plane P1 and/or generally toward one another. This convertsthe wings from the open mode shown in broken lines to a compressed modeas shown in solid lines. The resilient wings or portions of thecompression elements bend, flex or otherwise move toward one another sothat the distance between them is reduced from the distance D5 to thedistance D6. This reduction in distance can be approximately 5%, 10%,15%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50% or more, depending on the application andamount of vertical compression. Generally, the first wing and secondwing or other portions of the resilient compression element areresiliently moveable toward one another and/or the first plane P1 suchthat the vertical distance between the wings decreases upon theapplication of a compressive force by a user.

With the resilient compression elements in the compressed mode, a usercan install those elements 41 and 42 into the groove 103. Because thedistance D6 is less than the groove height GH, these elements will nowfit within the groove. When the user releases or reduces the force Fapplied in the compressed mode to the respective portions of theresilient compression element, those wings want to go back to theconfiguration of the open mode. Due to the upper 109U and lower 109Lsurfaces of the groove, engagement of those wings with the resilientcompression elements and the respective wings or other portions thereof,exert forces F1 and F2 on the board 101 in the groove, and against theupper and lower surfaces of the groove. These forces can optionally beat least 0.0001 pounds, further optionally at least 0.001 pounds, evenfurther optionally at least 0.05 pounds, yet further optionally between0.0001 pounds and 0.5 pounds. Of course, other forces can be exerted bythe compression elements against the surfaces of the groove depending onthe application and configuration of the resilient compression elements.

Due to the forcible expansion of the resilient compression elementswithin the groove, the resilient compression elements secure the spacerblock in a position adjacent the first groove. In this manner, thespacer block can be disposed in and effectively form the gap G betweenthe side surfaces of the boards 101 and 102 when the second board isinstalled, as shown in FIG. 7 .

The resilient compression elements 41, 42 can include respective frontedges 41F, 42F and rear edges 41R, 42R. The rear edges 41R areconfigured to fit within the groove 103 of the board 101. In some cases,the rear edges can be disposed entirely within the groove and locatedadjacent the rear wall 109R. The front edges, however, can extendoutward from the groove, and beyond the site surface of the board, andin particular the lobes 105 and 107.

Optionally, the front edge and rear edge are separated by a compressionelement width CEW. This compression element width CEW can be greaterthan the thickness T1 of the spacer block 20. Put another way, thethickness T1 of the spacer block 20 can be less than the compressionelement width CEW. Thus, the resilient compression elements can extendforward and/or rearward from the front and rear surfaces of the spacerblock. As illustrated, the front edge 42F can lay within a common planewith the front surface 21 of the spacer block 20. The rearward edges41R, 42R can extend beyond and outwardly from the spacer block rearsurface 22 a distance D7 as shown in FIG. 1 .

In some cases, there can be spatial relationships between the gripelement, spacer block and resilient compression elements. For example,the grip element can have a grip element length L3 that extends from thefront edge to the rear edge of the grip element 30. As mentioned, abovethe spacer block 20 can include a spacer block thickness T1 and theresilient compression elements can each include compressible elementwidths CEW. As illustrated, the grip element length L3 can be greaterthan the compressible element width CEW. The resilient compressionelement width CEW can be greater than the spacer block thickness T1. Insome cases, both the grip element length L3 and the compression elementwidth CEW can be greater than the thickness T1. This can enable therespective grip element and resilient compression elements to fit withinthe groove of one board yet not interfere with fitment of another boardadjacent the first board. Indeed, the compression element width CEW canbe less than the sum of the groove depth GD plus the thickness T1 of thespacer block. This can enable the resilient compression elements to bedisposed within the groove to hold the spacer block in place, yet notextend beyond the spacer block to interfere with the setting of a gapbetween adjacent boards. With this decreased width, the resilientcompression elements also might not interfere with or engage anothergroove 104 of an adjacent board 102. Instead, only the grip element 30optionally extends into and is engaged against that groove 104 to securethe boards to another.

The resilient compression elements 41, 42 can be joined with the spacerbody 20 at respective fracturable joints 48 and 49. As shown in FIGS. 3and 5 , these fractional joints can be effective zones of weakness wherethe material joining the spacer body and the resilient compressionelements is thinned so that those resilient compression elements can bebent in direction B and effectively break off at that joint. This isillustrated in FIG. 3 where the joint 49 has been fractured. In somecases, the fractional joint can be a portion of plastic that hasperforations or holes extending therethrough. With this fracturable ajoint, a user can selectively and manually remove one of the resilientcompression elements 41, 42 to fit in a particular confined space orover a combination of abutting underlying support joists.

A related method of using the fastener unit 10 of the current embodimentwill now be described. In general, the fastener unit can be providedincluding its spacer body 20, grip element 30, and resilient compressionelements 41 and 42. The fastener 90 can be installed therein or can beinstalled by the user generally extending through the fastener holes asdescribed above and engaging different portions of those holes as alsodescribed above. A user can apply a force F as shown in FIG. 3 tovertically compress in direction VC the wings of the resilientcompression element toward one another and/or generally toward a planeP1. This in turn, changes the distance between the ends of the wingsfrom a distance D5 to a lesser distance D6. When so compressed, thefastener unit transforms from an open mode, shown in broken lines, to acompressed mode, shown in solid lines, in FIG. 5 . The wings of theresilient compression elements as well as the rearward portion 37 of thegrip element 30 can be inserted into the groove 103 as shown in FIG. 6 .These elements can be pushed in direction R as shown in FIG. 2 into thegroove. The wings can be released to remove the manually appliedcompressive force F on the wings. In turn, the wings resiliently deformback toward their configuration in the open mode from the compressedmode. This in turn, exerts forces F1 and F2 by the resilient compressionelements against the upper and lower surfaces of the groove. This fixesthe fastener unit in place adjacent that groove. The spacer body 20 isthus held adjacent the first side surface 101S of the board 101 that isadjacent the groove 103.

As mentioned above, in some cases, two joists may be immediatelyadjacent one another. To center the fasteners and associated gripelements over each of the joists, one resilient compression element canbe broken off each of the adjacent fastener units. This can be achievedby the user manually bending in direction B one of the resilientcompression elements 41 to snap that component off from the spacer bodyas shown in FIG. 3 .

With the fastener unit properly installed relative to the first board101, a second board 102, as shown in FIG. 7 , can be placed immediatelyadjacent the first board 101, but separated by a gap G established bythe thickness of the spacer body 20 of the fastener unit 10. Due to thegrip element 30 extending outwardly from the forward face 21 of thespacer block, that grip element can be installed in the second groove104 of the second board 102. With the boards so installed on the joist106, the fastener 90 can be rotated in direction A. As a result, thefastener advances through the spacer body 20, the grip element 30 andinto the underlying support or joist 106. As it does so, the head 90Heventually engages the grip element 30. This in turn pulls the gripelement downward toward the joist 106. As a result, the grip elementand, for example, its cleats or protrusions bite into the lower surfacesof the respective grooves of the boards. This in turn provides enhancedholding force of the boards against the joist 106. With the fastenerunit of the current embodiments, the overall length of the unit from endto end is generally sufficient to cover all of the top of the joist 106that may otherwise be exposed through the gap G established between theboards.

A first alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 8-11 and generally designated 110. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiment described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 110 includes a fastener 190 similar to the fastener 90 above. Italso includes a grip element 130 that is disposed in a recess 128defined by a spacer body 120. The spacer body can have a spacer bodywidth SW. The grip element can have a grip element width GW. The gripelement width can be less than the spacer body width. For example thegrip element width can be optionally less than ¾ the spacer body width,further optionally less than ½ the spacer body width.

The spacer body can be configured to establish a gap between adjacentboards, and sized with a thickness T2 similar to the thickness T1described in the embodiment above. The grip element 130 can define asecond fastener hole SFH′ that is aligned with a first fastener holeFFH′ of the spacer body 120 similar to that described above. The firstfastener hole FFH′ also can include upper and lower portions FF1U′ andFF1L′ that have different diameters, the lower one having a diameterless than the upper one's diameter. The grip element 130 optionally canextend from the forward 121 and rearward 122 surfaces of the spacer body120 by equal distances D10 and D11. Of course, in some applications,these distances can vary.

In this embodiment, the unit 110 can include first and secondcompression elements which are in the form of first and second joistlegs 141 and 142 that extend downward and outward from the spacer body120. These first and second joist legs are configured to straddle andclampingly engage a joist. The joist legs are similar in construction,so only the first joist leg 141 will be described here. The joist leg141 includes an outwardly extending portion 143 that extends outwardfrom a side of the spacer body 120. That outwardly extending portion 143transitions to a rounded or curved portion 145 that extends downwardly,away from a bottom 126L of the spacer body 120. The curved portion 145is generally concave, opening toward the vertical axis VA. That curvedportion 145 extends to a lower engagement portion 146. This lowerengagement portion is generally convex relative to the vertical axis VAand opens away from that vertical axis VA. The engagement portionincludes an inner engagement surface 146S which is configured to engageand slide over a portion of the outer walls 106W of the joist 106. Thissurface 146S again is generally curved and convex away from the verticalaxis to facilitate sliding of this portion over the walls 106W.

Optionally, each of the joist legs 141 and 142 can be joined with thespacer body 120 at fracturable joints 148, 149 similar to thosedescribed above. In this manner, at least one of the first and secondjoint legs can be manually broken off from the spacer body toaccommodate double joists or other confined spaces.

A method of installing the fastener unit 110 will now be described inconnection with FIGS. 9-11 . The fastener unit 110 can be disposedadjacent a joist 106 and board 101 as illustrated in FIG. 10 . Inparticular, the joist legs 141 and 142 can be resiliently deformedoutward by sliding the engagement surfaces 146S into engagement with thewalls 106W of the joist 106. Due to the rounded nature, the joist legscan be resiliently flexed or moved outward and can slide over thosewalls. Before the lower surface 126L of the spacer body engages theupper surface 106U of the joist 106, the grip element 130 can beinserted into the groove 103 and engage the groove lower surface 109L.Due to the spatial relationship of the spacer body, its lower surface126L and the lower surface 109L of the groove, the lower surface of thespacer body can be placed at a level lower than a lower surface of thefirst groove, for example, the lower surface 126L of the spacer body canbe below the lower surface 109L of the groove.

As illustrated, the joist legs can exert a compressive or clamping forceF4 on the joist 106 to hold the grip element 130 at the elevation abovethe joist shown in FIG. 10 , generally protruding into the groove 103.With the grip element in this location, as shown in FIG. 11 , a secondboard 102 can be moved in place adjacent the fastener unit 110. Due tothe thickness T2 of the spacer body 120 separating the two boards, a gapG′ can be established between those boards. The grip element 130 alsoextends into both of the respective gaps of the two boards. With thegrip element so placed, and the gap G′ established, a user can advancethe fastener 90 into the underlying joist. In turn, this causes the gripelement 130 and its corresponding cleats to bite into the respectivegrooves, thereby securing the board in a fixed location over the joist106.

Optionally, in confined spaces, with reference to FIG. 9 , one of thejoist legs 141 can be bent in direction B to resiliently break off thatleg at the fracturable joint 149.

A second alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 12-13 and generally designated 210. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 210 can include a fastener 290 similar to the fasteners 90 and 190above. It also can include a grip element 230 that is disposed in arecess 228 defined by a spacer body 220. The grip element 230 optionallycan extend from and beyond the forward 221 and rearward 222 surfaces ofthe spacer body 220. As above, the spacer body can be configured toestablish a gap between adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T3similar to the thicknesses T1 and T2 described in the embodiments above.

In this embodiment, the unit 210 includes first and second joist legs241 and 242, also referred to as resilient compression element in somecases, that extend downward and outward from the spacer body 220. Thesefirst and second joist legs are configured to straddle and clampinglyengage a joist. The joist legs are similar in construction, so only thefirst joist leg 241 will be described here. The joist leg 241 includesan outwardly extending portion 243 that extends outward from a side ofthe spacer body 220. That outwardly extending portion 243 transitions toa rounded or curved portion 245 that extends downwardly, away from abottom 226L of the spacer body 220. The curved portion 245 is generallyconcave, opening toward the vertical axis VA of the spacer body 220,which can be coincident and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis LA ofthe fastener 290. That curved portion 245 extends to a lower engagementportion 246. This lower engagement portion 246 can be convex relative tothe vertical axis VA and can open away from that vertical axis VA. Theengagement portion can include an inner engagement surface 246Sconfigured to engage and slide over a portion of the outer walls 106W ofthe joist 106. This surface 246S can be curved and convex away from thevertical axis VA to facilitate sliding of this portion over the walls106W. Of course, in other constructions, that surface 246S can be flat,planar, rough, ridged, triangular, or can have other geometricconfigurations depending on the configuration of the joist or theworkpiece against which the leg is to be engaged.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the first joist leg 241 can extend from a firstlateral side L1 of the spacer block 220 on a first side of the verticalaxis VA, and the second joist leg 242 can extend from a second lateralside L2 of the spacer block 220. The first and second joist legs canextend outwardly and downwardly from the spacer block. Each of the joistlegs can include a forward surface and a rearward surface, and one ormore of the joist legs can include a stabilizer bar extending from thejoist leg a predetermined distance. In general, the opposing stabilizerbars 251, 252 on the opposing joist legs 241 and 242 can be disposed ata common level L4 relative to one another and relative to another levelL3 of the bottom or lower surface 230L of the grip element 230. Due tothe similarities of the legs and the stabilizer bars in the embodimentillustrated, only the first joist leg 241 and its correspondingstabilizer bar 251 will be described here.

The first joist leg 241 can include a front surface 241F and a rearsurface 241R. The rear surface optionally can be planar and/or rounded.The rear surface can further include the stabilizer bar 251 projectingrearward from it in a direction opposite the front surface 241F of thejoist leg 241. As illustrated, the stabilizer bar 251 can be integrallyformed and joined with the leg at a transition location between thecurved portion 245 and the lower engagement portion 246 of the joistleg. The stabilizer bar can project from the rear surface 241R adistance D13. This distance D13 can be equal to a distance D14 fromwhich an end 230E of the grip element 230 extends away from the rearwardsurface 241R of the leg and/or of the rear surface 222 of the spacerbody. The distance D13 optionally can be 1/32 inches, further optionally⅛ inches, further optionally ¼ inch, yet further optionally ½ inch, evenfurther optionally ¾ inches, or other distances depending on theapplication. In some cases, D13 can be greater than, less than or equalto D14. In cases where a bottom of the board with which the fastenerunit 210 is utilized, the distance D13 is greater than the distance D14by at least 10% to 25%, such that the stabilizer bar 251 can adequatelyextend beyond a curved lower corner of the board and engage the undersurface or bottom surface of the board as described below.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the stabilizer bar 251 can include an uppersurface 251U and a lower surface 251L. The upper surface 251U and lowersurface 251L optionally can be part of a continuous cylindrical wall 254where the stabilizer bar 251 is of a cylindrical shape. Of course, wherethe stabilizer bar 251 is of another geometric shape, for example, asquare shape, a polygonal shape an ellipsoid shape, or some otherrounded or irregular shape, the upper and lower surfaces can be formedby different portions of a wall or different walls altogether.

The wall 254 can extend to the rear surface 241R of the leg 241. In somecases, the stabilizer bar can alternatively extend also from the forwardsurface 241F of the joist leg. It may extend the distance D13, or somelesser or greater distance, depending on the application and the type ofboard utilized with the fastener unit. The stabilizer bar also can beconfigured such that the stabilizer bar 251 terminates at a free end251E that projects out into space, in which case the stabilizer bar iscantilevered. This end 251E can include a ramped portion 255 and aflattened end portion 256. The ramped portion 255 can be a frustoconicalshape or angled or rounded. In some cases, the ramp 255 and end 256 canbe merged into a hemispherical or otherwise rounded end. The end can berounded or ramped as shown so that that end easily traverses past acorner or other side surface or bottom of a board when the fastener unitis installed. The ramp and/or rounded surface easily rides over thecorner of the board and/or the bottom surface of the board for rapidinstallation.

As further shown in FIG. 12 , the stabilizer bar can be disposed adistance D12 below the lower surface 230L of the gripping element 230.For example, the lower surface 230L can be disposed at a level L3, whilethe upper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar 251 can be disposed at asecond level L4. The distance D12 between these different levels can beequal to a distance between a bottom of a groove, and a bottom surfaceof that same board. In this manner, the board can be pinched or clampedbetween the bottom surface 230L of the gripping element 230 and theupper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar. Optionally, the portion of theboard between the bottom of a groove of the board and the bottom surfaceof the board can be pinched or clamped between the gripping element 230and the stabilizer bar 251 on the joist leg 241. Via this interactionwith the board, as described further below, the fastener unit 210 can besecured to and joined temporarily with the board optionally to maintainthe fastener 290 longitudinal axis LA in a vertical, upright positionbefore installation of the fastener 290 into an underlying joist.

Although shown as a generally cylindrical bar, the stabilizer bar 251also can have other shapes. In some cases, the stabilizer bar 251 can bea portion of the joist leg 241 below the curved portion 245 at adistance D12, where that leg becomes a greater thickness (not shown)from its rear surface 241R to its front surface 241F. For example, abovethe stabilizer bar, the thickness T4 of the joist leg 241 can beapproximately ¼ inch. Starting at the upper surface 251U of thestabilizer bar (although not shown) the leg can be of a substantiallygreater thickness T5 such that the leg is 2, 3, 4, 5 or more times asthick as the thickness T4. This greater thickness T5 can extend all theway to the tip of the engagement portion 246. In other cases (althoughnot shown) the stabilizer bar can extend in this manner to taper fromthe thickness T5 back toward the thickness T4 or some other thickness ofthe joist leg 241 toward the tip of the joist leg.

A method of installing the fastener unit 210 will now be described inconnection with FIG. 13 . The fastener unit 210 can be disposed adjacenta joist 106 and board 101 as illustrated in FIG. 13 . In particular, thejoist legs 241 and 242 can be resiliently deformed outward by slidingthe engagement portions 246, and their respective surfaces 246S intoengagement within and along the opposing walls 106W of the joist 106.Due to the rounded nature, the joist legs can be resiliently flexed ormoved outward and can slide over those walls. Before the lower surface226L of the spacer body engages the upper surface 106U of the joist 106,the grip element 230 can be inserted into the board groove 103 andengage the groove lower surface 109L. The joist legs 241, 242 can exerta compressive or clamping force F4 on the joist 106 to hold the gripelement 230 at the elevation above the joist 106 shown in FIG. 13 , withthe element protruding into the groove 103.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13 , the stabilizer bar 251 can bedisposed below the bottom surface 101B of the board 101. In particular,the upper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar 251 can engage the bottomsurface 101B adjacent the corner 101C of the board. The end 251E of thestabilizer bar optionally projects a distance that is greater than thedepth GD of the groove 103 inward from the side surface 101S of theboard 101. This distance can be the distance D13 shown in FIG. 12 .Thus, the distance D13 can be greater than groove depth GD, andoptionally greater than the distance D14 by which the grip element 230extends from the rear surface of the fastener unit.

The lower surface 230L of the grip element as mentioned above can be adistance D12 from the upper surface 251U of the stabilizer bar 251. Thisdistance can be less than the distance D15 below the groove lowersurface 109L, between the groove lower surface 109 and the bottomsurface 101B of the board. Accordingly, the grip element 230, incooperation with the stabilizer bar 251, can exert a force F15 on theboard with the grip element 230 exerting the force F15 on the lowersurface 109L of the groove, and the upper surface of the stabilizer barexerting the force F15 on the bottom surface 101B of the board 101. Thisin turn exerts a slight clamping or pinching force on the board withinthat region. Accordingly, the stabilizer bar can assist in furtherholding and maintaining the vertical axis VA of the fastener unit andthe longitudinal axis LA of the fastener 290 in a generally vertical,upright orientation. This vertical, upright orientation can refer to anorientation that optionally is perpendicular to the plane P10 of theboard 101, in particular, its upper surface 101U, which optionally canlay in a horizontal plane. The upright vertical orientation can beperfectly vertical, or can be slightly offset from vertical by up to 5°or up to 10°, depending on the application.

With the stabilizer bar cooperating with the grip element 230, thefastener unit exerts both a force on the board 101 and another force onthe joist 106, the latter, by virtue of the forces exerted by the legs241 and 242 against opposing sides of the joist. Thus, the joist legsexert clamping force F4 on the joist, and the stabilizer bars exertanother force F15 on the board, between the groove and the bottomsurface of the board. Optionally, the force F15 is a vertical force,while the force F4 exerted by the joist legs is a substantiallyhorizontal force. Of course, depending on the orientation of the joistin the board, the directions of the forces can change relative tohorizontal and vertical planes.

The fastener unit 210 so installed can provide multiple points ofcontact between the fastener unit and the board, and thereby stabilizethe fastener unit in a particular orientation, optionally holding thefastener associated with the unit in an upright, vertical orientation,ready for engagement by a tool. Optionally, the fastener unit 210 canengage the board 101, and the joist 106 to prevent forward and afttilting T7, generally in a direction toward or away from the sidesurface 101S of the board. The fastener unit also can prevent teeteringin directions T8 which are generally into and out of the plane of FIG.13 , such that the fastener and fastener unit do not slide along theside surface 101S of the board when in position. Thus, the fastener unitcan provide multidirectional stability and support for the fastener 290,optionally holding it in an upright, vertical orientation as shown.

With the fastener unit oriented as shown in FIG. 13 , a second board 102can be moved in place adjacent the fastener unit 210. Due to thestabilization and forces exerted by the joist legs, the grip element andthe stabilizer bars of the fastener unit 210, the fastener unit canremain in position, with the other end of the grip element 230 slidinginto the groove 102G of board 102, and the fastener 290 staying in agenerally upright and vertical orientation. With the grip element inposition in the opposing gaps of the boards, and the appropriate gap setby the spacer body, the user can advance the fastener 290 into theunderlying joist. In turn, this causes the grip element 230 and itscorresponding cleats to bite into the respective grooves, therebysecuring the board in a fixed location over the joist 106.

A third alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 14-16 and generally designated 310. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 310 can include a fastener 390 similar to the fasteners 90, 190 and290 above. It also can include a grip element 330 that is disposed in arecess 328 defined by a spacer body 320. The grip element 330 optionallycan extend from and beyond the forward 321 and rearward 322 surfaces ofthe spacer body 320. As above, the spacer body can be configured toestablish a gap between adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T4similar to the thicknesses T1, T2 and T3 described in the embodimentsabove.

In this embodiment, the unit 310 includes first and second joist legs341 and 342, also referred to as resilient compression element in somecases, that extend downward and outward from the spacer body 320. Thesefirst and second joist legs are configured to straddle and clampinglyengage a joist. The joist legs are similar in construction, so only thefirst joist leg 341 will be described here. The joist leg 341 includesan outwardly extending portion 343 that extends outward from a side ofthe spacer body 320. That outwardly extending portion 343 transitions toa rounded or curved portion 345 that extends downwardly, away from abottom 326L of the spacer body 320. The curved portion 345 is generallyconcave, opening toward the vertical axis VA of the spacer body 320,which can be coincident and/or parallel to the longitudinal axis LA ofthe fastener 390. That curved portion 345 extends to a lower engagementportion 346. This lower engagement portion 346 can be convex relative tothe vertical axis VA and can open away from that vertical axis VA. Theengagement portion can include an inner engagement surface 346Sconfigured to engage and slide over a portion of the outer walls 106W ofthe joist 106. This surface 346S can be curved and convex away from thevertical axis VA to facilitate sliding of this portion over the walls106W. Of course, in other constructions, that surface 346S can be flat,planar, rough, ridged, triangular, or can have other geometricconfigurations depending on the configuration of the joist or the workpiece against which the leg is to be engaged.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the first joist leg 341 can extend from a firstlateral side L1 of the spacer block 320 on a first side of the verticalaxis VA, and the second joist leg 342 can extend from a second lateralside L2 of the spacer block 320. The spacer block 320 itself can beformed as a timing spacer block such that the lower surface 326L of thespacer block of this embodiment engages the upper surface 106U of thejoist as the fastener 390 is tightened to install the fastener unit 310.This lower surface 326L can be disposed below the lower surface 330L ofthe grip element, optionally at least ¼ inch below, further optionallyat least ½ inch below that surface. Optionally, the lower surface 326Lcan engage the upper surface 106U of the joist 106 when the grip element330 engages the groove 103, for example the lower wall 109L of thegroove 103 upon the application of a force F16 as described below.

With reference to FIGS. 15-16 , the timing spacer block 320 can beconfigured so that it has a relationship relative to a thickness T9between the lower surface 109L of the groove and the bottom surface 101Bof the board 101, or other boards, such as board 102 on the oppositeside of the fastener unit 310. This thickness T9 can be optionally ¼inch, further optionally ½ inch, or other dimensions depending on theparticular board. The fastener unit 310 can be configured so that thebottom 326L of the timing spacer body is spaced a distance D16 from thelowermost surface 330 L of the grip element 330, whether or not thatgrip element has one or more pressure feet 330P. This distance D16 canbe equal to or less than the thickness T9 mentioned above. In someapplications, the distance D16 relative to the thickness T9 can beexpressed in a ratio, for example optionally 1:1, further optionally0.99:1, yet further optionally less than 1:1, even further optionallybetween 0.9:1 and 1:1, inclusive.

These ratios and the general relationship between the thickness T9 andD16 can be established so that the spacer block 320 (and in particularits lower surface 326L) is “timed” to engage the upper surface 106U ofthe joist 106 when the predetermined force F16 is applied by a pressurefoot 330 against the board 101, and in general against the lower surface109L of the groove 103. Optionally, the lower surface 326L of the timingspacer block 320 can engage the upper surface 106U of the joist 106after or at the same time as the pressure foot 330P engages the lowersurface 106L of the groove. This can enable the fastener unit 310 toapply a predetermined force F16 through the pressure foot 330P and thegrip element 330 in general. When the spacer body, however, bottoms outagainst the upper surface of the joist, the amount of additional forceadded to the predetermined force F16 can be limited and/or cut offcompletely because the spacer body prevents the fastener from beingtightened further, and thus prevents the fastener from advancingfarther, which otherwise would increase or otherwise add to thepredetermined force F16 applied to the board via the feet in the groove.In this manner, the timing spacer block 320 can be constructed to assistin limiting or otherwise controlling the predetermined force F16 that isapplied to the boards 101 and 102 when and as the fastener unit 310 issecured in place. In some cases, where the board is weak, thin orundercut below the groove, this can prevent the grip element fromdamaging or breaking the part of the board adjacent or under the groove.Also, it will be appreciated that although only a force F16 isillustrated in the groove 103 of board 101, another force, substantiallyequal to force F16 is being applied in the groove 103′ of the otherboard 102 via the feet at the other end 332 of the grip element 330.

Optionally, the portion of the board 101 between the lower surface 109Lof the groove and the bottom 101B of the board can be pinched or clampedbetween the bottom surface 330L of the gripping element 330 and theupper surface 106U of the joist with the predetermined force F16 as thefastener unit 310 is tightened, that is when the fastener 390 isadvanced into the joist 106 and the head 390H of the fastener 390engages the gripping element 330 to pull the gripping element downward,upon the application of the predetermined force F16 through the grippingelement 330. Again, this predetermined force F16 can be limited by wayof the lower surface 326L of the timing spacer block 320 engaging theupper surface 106U of the joist 106 to prevent and/or impair thefastener 390 from further advancing into the joist 106, which would thuspull the gripping element 330 farther toward the joist and produce moreclamping force F16.

Further optionally, it will be appreciated that when the timing spacerblock 320 engages the upper surface 106U of the joist 106, and thefastener 390 is further advanced in direction FA toward and into thejoist 106, the spacer block 320 itself is placed under a compressiveforce CF between the upper surface of the joist and the gripping element330, when the gripping element is engaged by the head 390H of thefastener 390. This compressive force CF can be greater than, equal to orless than the force F16. In many cases, the compressive force can begreater than the force F16.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 , the fastener unit 310also can be outfitted with a gripping element 330 that is similar to thegripping elements 30, 130 and 230, with several exceptions. For example,this gripping element 330 can be constructed for use with a particulartype of board 101, 102. As one example, this board can be a TIMBERTECHor other composite deck board commercially available from AZEK BuildingProducts of Skokie, Illinois Such a board 101 can be constructed toinclude a groove 103 that is defined inward from side surface 101S. Insuch a board, this groove also can be duplicated and defined on bothopposing sides of the same board 101 (although the second opposinggroove is not shown). The groove 103 can transition inward from the sidesurface 101S. The groove can include an upper surface 109U thattransitions to a rear wall 109R which further transitions to a lowerwall 109L. The upper and lower walls of the groove are opposite oneanother and can be generally planar. The lower wall 109L can transitionout to the side surface 101S.

In some constructions, below the lower wall 109L, the side surface 101Scan transition to a slanted wall 101A. This slanted wall 101A differsfrom the portion of the side surface 101S above the upper wall 109U ofthe groove 103, in that the slanted wall 101A angles back toward theplane P3 within which the rear wall 109R can at least partially lay. Theslanted wall 101A can transition to the bottom surface 101B of the board101 a preselected distance D17 from the plane P3. The slanted wall 101Acan be disposed at an angle A1 relative to the bottom wall 101B. Thisangle A1 can be an obtuse angle, optionally greater than 90°. Thisslanted wall 101A can be rounded or slightly curvilinear, rather thanlinear as illustrated. The slanted wall 101A can transition to thebottom wall 101B at a transition region 101T, which can form part of theangle A1. This transition region 101T can be disposed the distance D17,closer to the side surface 101S than the rear wall 109R of the groove103. The region 101P between the transition region 101T and the plane P3within which the rear wall 109R of the groove lays can be configured totransfer the force F16 applied by the grip element 330 in particular thepredetermined force F16 when this force is applied through the pressurefoot 330P as described below. Optionally, the slanted wall 101A can bedisposed between the side surface 101S and the transition 101T. Theslanted wall can extend a distance D19 from the side surface 101Shorizontally away from that surface. This distance D19 can be less thanthe depth of the groove, that is the distance from the side surface 101Sto the rear wall 109R of the groove 103.

The grip element 330 can be similar to the grip elements 30, 130 and 230described above, with several exceptions. For example, the grip element330 optionally can be in the form of a C- or U-shaped channel, with thechannel opening downward relative to the vertical axis VA orlongitudinal axis LA. The grip element can be disposed in a recessdefined by the spacer body 71 similar to force noted above. The gripelement can be constructed to include downwardly extending cleats, whichoptionally can be portions of the channel or an elongated metal orcomposite bar. The grip element can include one or more feet or teeth,formed as part of the channel, the cleats or as additional protrusionsextending from the grip element. As an example, the grip element 330 caninclude one or more pressure feet 330P. These pressure feet 330P can bedisposed at the first 331 and second 332 ends of the grip element. Thesepressure feet can each form at least a portion of the lower surface 330Lof the grip element 330. The pressure feet also can come in pairs, forexample a pair of pressure feet 331P1 and 331P2 can be disposed at thefirst end 331. The second end 332 can include a similar pair of pressurefeet.

The pressure feet can include the lower surface 330L of the gripelement, with each of the pair of the pressure feet forming a portion ofthat lower surface 330L. The pressure feet can extend all the way to thevery end 331 of the grip element. Although shown as flat of the lowersurface 326L, the feet can be pointed or rounded at that lower surface.The individual ones of the pairs of pressure feet also can form opposingsides of the U-channel that extend downward from the grip element. Inthis manner, each end can include two opposing pressure feet.Optionally, the pairs can distribute the predetermined force F16 evenlyand spread out between those two pressure feet. Optionally, where thegrip element is not C or U-shaped, and is in the form of a bar (notshown), there can be single pressure feet located at the opposing ends.These pressure feet can also include larger lower surfaces of aparticular geometric shape to provide more surface contact with theinterior of the groove.

The pressure feet of grip element can be spaced a particular distancefrom the respective front 321 and rear 322 surfaces of the fastener unit310. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the pressure feet 330P of oneend 331 of the grip element 330 can be disposed a distance D18 from thefront surface 321 of the spacer block 320. Of course, the pressure feetat the second opposing end 332 can be disposed a similar distance fromthe rear surface 322 of the spacer block. This distance D18 can begreater than the distance D19 mentioned above with regard to the slantedwall 101A. Within this distance D18 away from the spacer block 20, thegrip element can be recessed upward from the lower surface 330L. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the pressure feet 330P cantransition upward to a recessed surface 330R of the grip element. Thisrecessed surface 330R can be disposed at a level above the lower surface330L of the grip element 330 such that the recessed surface 330Rgenerally does not substantially contact the lower surface 109L of thegroove 103 when the fastener unit 310 is installed relative to thegrooves and the boards. In this manner, substantially only the lowersurface 330L of the grip element associated with the pressure feet 330Pengage that lower surface 109L of the groove.

The pressure feet 330P, when spaced the distance D18 on the spacer block320, can be configured to enable the predetermined force F16 to bedistributed downward into the preselected pressure region 101P.Substantially all of the force F16 can be distributed to this region101P. Optionally, little to no portion of the force F16 is distributedby the pressure feet 330P to the slanted wall 101A and/or the transitionregion 101T. Accordingly, with the force F16 distributed this far fromthe spacer block 320 and in general the side surface 101S, which canengage the spacer block directly, the force F16 is not distributed in amanner so as to urge the board 101 to rotate in direction N. Thus, theboard 101 is prevented from tipping or angling when the fastener unit310 is advanced to pull the board downward against the joist 106.

Optionally, the pressure feet 330P can be disposed the distance D18 fromthe spacer body 320 to ensure that the predetermined force F16administered through the pressure feet 330P is not administered directlyvertically over the slanted wall 101A, but rather in pressure region101P that is farther away from the side surface 101S than the slantedwall 101A. Where the region 101P forms a portion of the bottom surface101B of the board 101, the pressure feet and the grip element thus canexert the predetermined force F16 downward, directly to the bottomsurface 101B which is in contact and generally parallel to the uppersurface 106U of the joist 106. The flat generally planar bottom surface101B of the board 101 can engage the flat generally planar upper surface106U of the joist and the two can be pressed together under thepredetermined force F16. And as mentioned above, this predeterminedforce F16 can be limited by the spacer body 320 engaging the joist.

A method of installing the fastener unit 310 will now be described inconnection with FIGS. 14 and 16 . The fastener unit 310 can be disposedadjacent a joist 106 as illustrated in FIG. 14 . In particular, thejoist legs 341 and 342 can be resiliently deformed outward by slidingthe engagement portions 346, and their respective surfaces 346S intoengagement within the and along the opposing walls 106W of the joist106. Due to the rounded nature, the joist legs can be resiliently flexedor moved outward and can slide over those walls. The lower surface 326Lof the spacer body 320 can be move toward and optionally can engage theupper surface 106U of the joist 106. The joist legs 341, 342 can exert acompressive or clamping force on the joist 106 to hold the grip element330 at the elevation above the joist 106 shown in FIG. 16 , with theelement protruding into the groove 103.

The grip element 330 can be inserted into the board groove 103, forexample, into the respective grooves 103 of both of the opposing boards101 and 102. These boards can be pushed toward one another so that thespacer body 320 and an upper portion 338, above the gripping element,can be contacted by and engaged by the respective side surfaces 101S,102S of the opposing boards 101 and 102. The grip element can bepositioned in the respective groups of the boards 101 and 102 such thatthe lower surface 330L of the respective pressure feet 330P engage thegroove lower surface 109L. When the boards are pushed together, thepressure feet 330P are disposed at the distance D18 from the spacer body320. Accordingly, the pressure feet are disposed over the pressureregion 101P that corresponds to the bottom, generally planar surface101B of the board. The pressure feet also can be positioned at alocation within the distance D17 between the rear wall 109R and thetransition 101T. Optionally, the pressure feet are not disposed directlyvertically above the slanted wall 101A. Further optionally, the pressurefeet 330P can be disposed farther into the groove, closer to the rearwall 109R than to the side surface 101S of the board. As a furtherexample, the pressure feet can be disposed at or greater than thedistance D19 away from the side surface of the board. The pressure feetthat the opposing end 332 can be disposed in the groove 103′ andoriented relative to its surfaces in a similar manner.

The lower surface 330L of the grip element, and in particular thepressure feet, as mentioned above can be a distance D18 from the spacerbody. This distance can place the pressure feet 330P directly over thepressure region 101P. When the fastener unit is installed relative tothe boards 101 and 102 as shown in FIG. 16 , the fastener 390 can beadvanced in direction FA, through the spacer body and the grip element,advancing into the underlying joist 106. Upon this advancement, the head390H of fastener 390 eventually engages the upper surface of the gripelement 330. The fastener continues to be advanced into the joist 106.If the lower surface 326L was not in direct engagement with the uppersurface 106U of the joist 106, it can begin to be so engaged as thefastener is advanced. As the advancement of the fastener 390 continues,the head 390H pulls the grip element 330 downward. This engages thepressure feet 330P and the lower surface 330L of the grip element 330against the lower surfaces 109L of the grooves 103. This exerts theforce F16 directly downward onto to the pressure region 101P along thebottom surface 101B of the board. Due to the recessed surface 330R notengaging the remainder of that lower surface, closer to the sidesurface, the force F16 is not distributed toward or through the slantedwall 101A. Accordingly, the board 101 does not tip in direction N due tothe force F16 creating a moment about the transition region 101T.

As the fastener continues to advance, the timing spacer body 320 isplaced under a compressive force CF between the head 390H of thefastener and the portion of the fastener pulling the head into the joist106. When this occurs, the timing spacer body generally bottoms out thefastener and in general the fastener unit 310 so the fastener will notadvance farther. As a result, timing spacer body limits the amount ofadditional force added to the predetermined force F16 to push the boards101 and 102 into further contact with the joist 106. This in turn, canprevent the groove from being damaged or otherwise deforming the board101 near the groove.

Another alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 17-28 and generally designated 1010. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 1010 can include a fastener 1090 similar to the fasteners describedabove. It also can include a grip element 1030 that is disposed in anaperture or recess 1028 defined by a spacer block 1020, similar to theembodiments described above. The grip element 1030 optionally can extendfrom and beyond the front and rear surfaces 1021, 1022 of the spacerblock 1020. The spacer block 1020 can be configured to establish a gapbetween adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T11, which cancorrespond to a preselected gap G10 (FIG. 28 ) that is to be establishedbetween adjacently placed first board 101 and second board 102, similarto the thicknesses T1-T10 above. The unit 1010 can include first andsecond resilient compression elements 1041, 1042 joined with the spacerblock 1020. It is noted that the grip element 1030 and fastener 1090 ofthe fastener unit 1010 are not shown in FIGS. 57-61 to more clearly showdetails of the spacer block 1020 and compression elements 1041, 1042.

Generally, the resilient compression elements 1041, 1042 can be disposedon opposite sides of the vertical axis VA of the spacer block 1020. Thecompression elements 1041, 1042 can be similar in structure, andtherefore only the first compression element 1041 will be described indetail here. It also will be appreciated that one of the resilientcompression elements 1041, 1042 can be eliminated from the design incertain applications.

The first resilient compression element 1041 can include a fixed wing1041F and a moveable wing 1041M. These wings can be joined at atransition region or junction 1041J. In a typical installation, anexample of which is shown in FIG. 67 , the fixed wing 1041F defines anupper wing and the moveable wing 1041M defines a lower wing. Thus, themoveable wing 1041M can depend or extend downwardly from the fixed wing1041F.

The moveable wing 1041M can be movable, bendable, and flexible about thetransition region or junction 1041J where it is joined with the fixedwing 1041F. All or a part of the moveable wing 1041M can bend, flex,deform, hinge or otherwise translate (all interchangeably referred to as“bend” herein) about or relative to this junction 1041J. In other cases,the moveable wing 1041M can bend to different degrees along its lengthso that it becomes more arched or angled as it bends. The fixed wing1041F can be substantially non-movable, non-bendable, and non-flexiblerelative to the spacer body 1020 and the moveable wing 1041M. Thus, inthis embodiment, vertical compression or expansion of the resilientcompression element 1041 can be solely, or substantially solely,accomplished by movement of the moveable wing 1041M relative to thefixed wing 1041F. In being “substantially” non-movable, non-bendable,and non-flexible, the fixed wing 1041F may move by small degrees duringinstallation of the fastener unit 1010, but by a far smaller degree thanthe moveable wing 1041M.

The moveable wing 1041M is disposed at an angle to the fixed wing 1041F.The wings as illustrated are generally in the form of flat plates angledrelative to another and joined at a vertex 1041V at the junction 1041J,which can define said angle. Optionally, in some applications, the wingscan be joined in the shape of “V”, that extend outwardly from thejunction 1041J. Of course, in other applications these wings can becurved, rounded, or of other shapes. The fixed wing 1041F can transitionto the movement wing 1041M at the junction 1041J, with the moveable wing1041M formed as an extension of the same flat element or plate as thefixed wing 1041F.

The wings can include respective first ends 1061F, 1062F and second ends1061S, 1062S. The first ends 1061F, 1062F are joined together at thejunction 1041J. The second ends 1061S, 1062S of the wings are free endsand are not connected to one another. The second ends 1061S, 1062S ofthe wings are configured to fit within the groove 103 of the first board101. The first ends and junction 1041J are configured to fit within thegroove 104 of the second board 102. The second end 1062S of the moveablewing 1041M comprises a terminal edge 1041E of the moveable wing 1041M.The moveable wing 1041M also can be configured such that the moveablewing projects out into space from the junction 1041J and terminates at afree second end comprising the terminal edge 1041E in which case themoveable wing 1041M is cantilevered.

The moveable wing 1041M can be designed to be vertically compressed indirection VC as shown in FIGS. 20-21 . By vertically compressible, it ismeant that the wing 1041M can be moved in direction of the arrow VC,generally toward a plane P1 that is orthogonal to or otherwisetransverse to the vertical axis VA of the spacer block 1020, from anopen mode shown in FIG. 20 to a compression mode shown in FIG. 21 . Dueto its resilient nature, however, the wing 1041M resiliently deforms andis urged to expand and re-attain its previous configuration, relative tothe fixed wing 1041F, in the open mode. The moveable wing 1041M can beconstructed so as to form a biasing leg or spring. After application offorce F to compress the moveable wing 1041M toward the fixed wing 1041Fand/or generally toward the plane P1, due to the resilient nature of themoveable wing 1041M, the moveable wing 1041M is spring back open.

The fixed wing 1041F can be parallel to or lie in the first plane P1that is orthogonal to the vertical axis VA, and can substantially remainin the first plane P1 in the open mode and in the compression mode. Inthe open mode, the moveable wing 1041M lies within a second plane P2which is oblique to the vertical axis VA and oblique to the first planeP1, i.e. neither perpendicular nor parallel to the vertical axis VA andthe first plane P1. Optionally, the first and second planes P1, P2 canintersect at the junction 1041J, such as at the vertex 1041V of thejunction 1041J. Optionally, the first plane P1 can pass through the gripelement recess 1028 and/or the portions of the grip element 1030.

Referring to FIGS. 22-23 , optionally, the first and second ends 1061F,1061S of the fixed wing 1041F are separated by a fixed wing length FLand the first and second ends 1062 f, 1062S of the moveable wing 1041Mare separated by a moveable wing length ML. These wing lengths FL, MLcan be greater than the thickness T11 of the spacer block 1020. Thus,the wings can extend beyond the front and rear surfaces 1021, 1022,respectively, of the spacer block 1020. With the first and second ends1061F, 1062F, 1061S, 1062S of the wings extending beyond the spacerblock 1020, at least a portion of the wings can fit within the grooves103, 104 of the first and second boards 101, 102, thereby securing thespacer block 1020 and establishing a gap between adjacent boards asdescribed below.

The moveable wing length ML can be greater than the fixed wing lengthFL. Thus, with the first end 1062F of the moveable wing 1041M joinedwith the first end 1061F of the fixed wing 1041F at the junction 1041J,the second end 1062S of the moveable wing 1041M can extend beyond thefixed wing 1041F a distance D31 as shown in FIG. 21 . As illustrated,the terminal edge 1041E of the moveable wing extends forwardly of thesecond end 1061S of the fixed wing. In some cases, the terminal edge1041E is parallel to the front surface 1021 of the spacer block 1020and/or parallel to a forward edge of the second end 1061S of the fixedwing.

The junction 1041J can be spaced from the spacer block 1020, such thatthe moveable wing 1041M is resiliently compressible independent from thespacer block 1020. In the embodiment shown, the fixed wing 1041F isjoined with the spacer block 1020 by a neck portion 1063. The neckportion 1063 can be a narrow connector between the fixed wing 1041F andthe spacer block 1020. The neck portion 1063 can have a neck length NL,which can be less than the fixed wing length FL. The neck length NL canbe less than the thickness T11 of the spacer block 1020.

The neck portion 1063 can extend outwardly from the first side surface1023 of the spacer block 1020, and the compression element 1041 canextend outwardly from the neck portion 1063, thereby being spaced fromthe spacer block 1020 by the neck portion 1063. The fixed wing 1041F canhave an inner side surface 1061I facing the spacer block 1020 and anouter side surface 1061O opposite the inner side surface. At least aportion of the inner side surface 1061I of the fixed wing 1041F can bejoined with the spacer block 1020 by the neck portion 1063. Anotherportion of the inner side surface 1061I is spaced from the spacer block1020 by a gap G11.

Optionally, each of the resilient compression elements 1041 and 1042 canbe joined with the spacer block 1020 at fracturable joints 1048, 1049similar to those described above. In this manner, at least one of thecompression elements 1041 and 1042 can be manually broken off from thespacer block 1020 to accommodate double joists or other confined spaces.In some cases. The fracturable joints 1048, 1049 of the embodimentillustrated are formed at the neck portion 1063.

The junction 1041J extends rearwardly beyond the rear surface 1022 ofthe spacer block 1020 to guide placement of the second board 102adjacent the first board 101. Optionally, the junction 1041J can beparallel to the rear surface 1022 of the spacer block 1020. The junction1041J is configured to fit within a groove of another board placedadjacent a first board, with the spacer block 1020 defining a gapbetween the boards. The junction 1041J can therefore can be more narrowthan the groove. With the sloped angle of the moveable wing 1041M andthe narrow junction 1041J, a board can be slid against the spacer block1020 in at varying angles and still catch the junction 1041J within itsgroove.

As best seen in FIG. 23 , the moveable wing 1041M can be tapered towardthe second end 1062S, with the first end 1062F of the moveable wingdefining a first width W1 and the second end 1062S of the moveable wingdefining a second width W2. The widths can optionally be defined betweenfirst and second side edges 1062I, 1062O of the moveable wing 1041M. Thesecond width W2 can be less than the first width W1. With this taperedconstruction, the moveable wing 1041M can bend more easily. In somecases, at least one portion of at least one of the sides 1062I, 1062O ofthe moveable wing 1041M can be disposed inwardly of a corresponding side1061I, 1061O of the fixed wing 1041F to define the taper of the moveablewing 1041M. In the embodiment shown, the first or outer side 1062O ofthe moveable wing is coplanar with the first or outer side 1061O of thefixed wing, and the second or inner side 1062I of the moveable wing isoblique to the first or inner side 1061I of the fixed wing so that themoveable wing is tapered. In another embodiment, both sides of themoveable wing can be oblique to the sides of the fixed wing.

As with previous embodiments, the grip element 1030 can include a firstend 1036 and a second end 1037 extending in a first direction D todefine a grip element length GL. The grip element length GL can be thesame as, or substantially the same as, the fixed wing length FL. Thedirection D can be orthogonal to or otherwise transverse to the verticalaxis VA of the spacer block 1020. The first end 1036 of the grip element1030 projects forward of the front surface 1021 of the spacer block 1020and the second end 1037 of the grip element 1030 projects rearward ofthe rear surface 1022 of the spacer block 1020. The wings 1041F, 1041Mcan extend in the same first direction D as the grip element 1030. Withthe grip elements and wings extending the same direction, the first endsof grip element and wings can be inserted in a common groove 103 of thefirst board 101, and likewise the second ends of the grip element andwings can be be inserted in a common groove 104 of the second board 102.

The grip element 1030 can be constructed from a first material, such asa metal and/or composite, while the spacer block 1020 and resilientcompression elements 1041, 1042 can be constructed from a polymericmaterial, optionally with the compression elements 1041, 1042 integralwith the spacer block 1020, and optionally with the neck portion 1063integrally formed with and connecting the spacer block 1020 and thecompression elements 1041, 1042.

The compression elements 1041, 1042 are operable in an open mode, asshown in FIGS. 20 and 22 , and a compression mode as shown in FIGS. 21and 26 . In the open mode, the fastener unit 1010 is not yet installedrelative to the groove 103 of board 101. In that configuration, theterminal edge 1041E of the moveable wing 1041M is spaced from the fixedwing 1041F by a first vertical distance D32. This distance D32 in theopen mode can be greater than the height GH of the groove 103. Becauseof the vertically compressible nature of the moveable wing 1041M, thiswing can be moved in direction VC generally toward the fixed wing 1041For first plane P1. Application of force F to vertically compress themoveable wing 1041M toward the fixed wing 1041F in direction VC towardthe plane P1 converts the wings from the open mode to the compressionmode, and the distance between the terminal edge 1041E and the fixedwing 1041F decreases to a second vertical distance D33. This distanceD33 can be less than the groove height GH. In converting to thecompression mode, the resilient wing 1041M bends, flexes or otherwisemove toward the fixed wing 1041F so that the distance between them isreduced from the distance D32 to the distance D33. This reduction indistance can be approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50% ormore, depending on the application and amount of vertical compression.

With the resilient compression elements 1041, 1042 in the compressionmode, a user can install those elements into a groove of a board.Because the distance D33 is less than the groove height GH, the wingswill now fit within the groove. When the user releases or reduces theforce F applied in the compression mode to the respective portions ofthe resilient compression element, the moveable wing 1041M is urged backtoward the configuration of the open mode, with the wings exertingforces on the against the upper and lower surfaces of the groove.

Optionally, the second vertical distance D33 in the compression mode canvary, depending on the application of force F and amount of verticalcompression. With this variable distance, the resilient compressionelements 1041, 1042 can fit within differently-sized grooves, i.e.grooves having different groove heights GH. Typical grooves may have agroove height GH of ⅛ inch to ⅜ inch, or another dimension depending onthe application. In some cases, the moveable wing 1041M can becompressed to less than ⅛ inch to fit within a groove having a grooveheight GH of ⅛ inch, or compressed to less than ⅜ inch to fit within agroove having a groove height GH of ⅜ inch, or to another dimension lessthan the groove height GH of a particular groove. Thus, the secondvertical distance D33 may be within a range of less than ⅛ inch to lessthan ⅜ inch. The first vertical distance D31 in the open mode can begreater than ⅜ inch.

The moveable wing 1041M is angled relative to the fixed wing 1041F whenthe compression element 1041 is in the open mode, i.e. not compressed orengaged with a board. This angle may be defined by the junction 1041J.This angle can be an acute angle, i.e. less than 90°. The angle definedby the junction 1041J can change as the moveable wing 1041M isvertically compressed toward the fixed wing 1041F. As shown in FIG. 20 ,in the open mode, the junction 1041J can define a first acute angle A9between the fixed wing 1041F and the moveable wing 1041M, as measured atthe vertex 1041V of the junction 1041J on the inwardly facing surfacesof the wings. The angle A9 can be optionally about 10° to about 60°,inclusive, about 15° to about 50°, inclusive, about 20° to about 45°,inclusive, or about 20° to about 35°, inclusive, or other angles,depending on the application. When the fastener unit 1010 is installedrelative to a board and its groove, the moveable wing 1041M can move indirection VC shown in FIG. 21 so the angle between the wings decreasesto a second acute angle A10, which can be less than the first angle A9.This second angle A10 can be optionally less than 90%, less than 80%,less than 75%, less than 50%, less than 25% of the first angle A9 whenthe compression element 1041 is in the open mode.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 17-19 , the spacer block 1020 can begenerally of an H configuration, with a central bar or portion 1020C. Atleast a portion of the grip element recess 1028 can be defined by anupper side of the central bar 1020C. The central bar 1020C can define afirst fastener hole FH below the grip element 1030. A second fastenerhole SH of the grip element 1030 can be aligned with this first fastenerhole FH. In some cases, the first fastener hole FH can include upper andlower portions of similar or different geometric shapes, and can havedifferent diameters or dimensions, similar to the fastener holesdescribed above for previous embodiments. Optionally, the fastener 1090to be slightly threaded into the spacer body 1020 so that it is securedthereto via those threads and the interaction of the threads with thefirst fastener hole FH. Optionally, the second fastener hole SH can belarger than the largest dimension of the first fastener hole FH or thediameter of the threads 1090T and/or the shaft 1090S of fastener 1090,described above for previous embodiments.

A method of using the fastener unit 1010 of this alternative embodimentwill now be described with reference to FIGS. 24-28 . In general, thefastener unit 1010 can be provided including its spacer block 1020, gripelement 1030, at least one resilient compression element 1041, andoptionally a second resilient compression element 1042 (not visible inFIGS. 24-28 ). The fastener 1090 can be installed therein or can beinstalled by the user generally extending through the fastener holes ofthe spacer block 1020 and grip element 1030 as described above andengaging different portions of those holes as also described above. Asshown in FIG. 24 , at least the second end 1062S of the moveable wing1041M can be inserted into the first groove 103 of the first board 101,generally by moving the unit 1010 in direction R toward the first board101. This can be performed with the compression element 1041 in the openmode. The second end 1062S can be moved in direction R by sliding themoveable wing 1041M in a direction generally parallel to the lowersurface 109L of the first groove 103. In the embodiment shown, where thedistance between the wings 1041F, 1041M in the open mode is greater thanthe groove height GH, the moveable wing 1041M, and not the fixed wing1041F, can be partially inserted into the groove 103 with this movement.

With at least the second end 1062S of the moveable wing 1041M insertedinto the groove 103 as shown in FIG. 25 , a user can apply a force F asshown in FIG. 25 by pressing the moveable wing 1041M against the lowersurface 109L of the groove 103 to vertically compress the moveable wing1041M toward the fixed wing 1041F. When so compressed, the fastener unit1010 transforms from the open mode to the compression mode. In somecases, the fastener unit 1010 can be simultaneously pivoted as themoveable wing 1041M is pressed against the lower surface 109L of thegroove 103 for better leverage in compressing the moveable wing towardthe fixed wing. As shown in FIG. 25 , the fastener unit 1010 can bepivoted upwardly in direction E by moving the junction 1041J upwardly.

In the compression mode, at least a portion of the fixed wing 1041F canbe inserted into the groove 103 of the first board 101 as shown in FIG.26 . The grip element 1030 may also be inserted into the first groove103 with this movement. Both wings can be pushed in direction R furtherinto the groove 103. In some cases, the fastener unit 1010 can besimultaneously pivoted further in direction E to bring the second end1061S of the fixed wing into the groove 103. For example, the fastenerunit 1010 can be pivoted until the fixed wing 1041F is generallyparallel to upper surface 109U of the groove 102, and the fixed wing1041F can be inserted by sliding the fixed wing 1041F in direction R,generally parallel to the upper surface 109U of the first groove 103.

The compressible element 1041 can be released to remove the manuallyapplied compression force F. In turn, the moveable wing 1041Mresiliently deforms back toward its configuration in the open mode fromthe compression mode, with the moveable wing 1041M pressing against thelower surface 109L of the groove 103 (i.e. exerting force F1) and thefixed wing 1041F pressing against the upper surface 109U of the groove103 (i.e. exerting force F2). These forces F1, F2 can optionally be atleast 0.0001 pounds, further optionally at least 0.001 pounds, evenfurther optionally at least 0.05 pounds, yet further optionally between0.0001 pounds and 0.5 pounds. Of course, other forces can be exerted bythe compression element 1041, against the board 101, depending on theapplication and configuration of the resilient compression elements.This forcible engagement of the wings with the groove fixes the fastenerunit 1010 in place adjacent that groove 103. The spacer block 1020 isthus held adjacent the groove 103 of the first board 101.

In some cases, the second ends 1061S, 1062S can be disposed entirelywithin the groove 103 and located adjacent the rear wall 109R. Releasingthe compressible element 1041 can release the fixed wing 1041F into anorientation substantially parallel to the upper surface 109U of thefirst groove 103. The spring-like moveable wing 1041M can urge the fixedwing 1041F substantially flat against the upper surface 109U of thegroove 103, with the second end 1062E pressing against the lower surface109L.

With the fastener unit 1010 in place adjacent the board 101, the usercan move a second board 102 in direction F as shown in FIG. 27 towardthe first board 101 until the side surface of that board 102 engages thespacer block 1020 as shown in FIG. 28 . The grip element 1030 is alsoinserted into the groove 104 of the second board 102 during thismovement. The spacer block 1020 sets the gap G10 between the first board101 and the second board 102 with its thickness. In some cases, thejunction 1041J is located adjacent the rear wall 109R of the secondgroove 104, and can optionally abut the rear wall 109R in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 28 when the board 102 engages the spacerblock 1020.

Due to the wings 1041F, 1041M extending beyond the rear surface 1022 ofthe spacer block 1020, the junction 1041J can guide the placement of thesecond board 102. The sloped angle of the lower wing 1041M and theoverall narrow profile of the junction 1041J, in comparison to grooveheight GH, allows the second board 102 to optionally be slid in on anangle to the first board 101. Once the second board 102 meets the spacerblock 1020, the second board 102 can be pivoted downwardly intoalignment with the first board 101.

With the second board 102 placed adjacent the first board 101 as shownin FIG. 28 , the fastener 1090 can be advanced into the underlying joist106. As a result, the grip element 1030 pulls downward with forces onthe respective adjacent boards 101, 102 to thereby clamp those boards tothe underlying joist 106. The above steps and method can be repeatedwith multiple fastener units 1010 to install the boards relative to oneor more joists.

Another alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 29-32 and generally designated 1110. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 1110 can include a fastener 1190 similar to the fasteners describedabove. It also can include a grip element 1130 that is disposed in anaperture or recess 1128 defined by a spacer block 1120, similar to theembodiments described above. The grip element 1130 optionally can extendfrom and beyond the front and rear surfaces 1121, 1122 of the spacerblock 1120. The spacer block 1120 can be configured to establish a gapbetween adjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T12 similar to thethicknesses T1-T11 above. The unit 1110 can include first and secondresilient compression elements 1141, 1142 joined with the spacer block1120, the compression elements having fixed and moveable wings 1141F,1141M similar to the embodiment described above. It is noted that thegrip element 1130 is not shown in FIGS. 30-31 and the fastener 1190 isnot shown in FIGS. 30-33 to more clearly show details of the spacerblock 1120 and compression elements 1141, 1142.

In this embodiment, the second end 1161S of the fixed wing 1141F ischamfered for better lead in when installing the fastener unit 1110 in agroove of a board. The second end 1161S of the fixed wing 1141Fcomprises a leading edge 1141L of the fixed wing 1141F. The leading edge1141L includes a chamfer 1141C comprising a sloping portion of theleading edge 1141L. The chamfer 1141C also exposes the lower moveablewing 1141M for easier placement into a groove. As can be seen in FIGS.32-33 , at least a portion of the second end 1162S of the moveable wing1141M can extend beyond the chamfer 1141C of the fixed wing 1141F. Asillustrated, at least a portion of the terminal edge 1141E of themoveable wing extends forwardly of the chamfer 1141C.

Like the above embodiment, the compression elements 1141, 1142 areoperable in an open mode, as shown in solid line in FIG. 31 , and acompression mode as shown in phantom line in FIG. 31 . In the open mode,the terminal edge 1141E of the moveable wing 1141M is spaced from thefixed wing 1141F by a first vertical distance D34, which can optionallybe greater than the height of a groove. Because of the verticallycompressible nature of the moveable wing 1141M, the wing can be moved indirection VC generally toward the fixed wing 1141F or first plane P1.Application of force F to vertically compress the moveable wing 1141Mtoward the fixed wing 1141F in direction VC toward the plane P1 convertsthe wings from the open mode to the compression mode, and the distancebetween the terminal edge 1141E and the fixed wing 1141F decreases to asecond vertical distance D35. This distance D35 can be less than thegroove height. In converting to the compression mode, the resilient wing1141M bends, flexes or otherwise move toward the fixed wing 1141F sothat the distance between them is reduced from the distance D34 to thedistance D35. This reduction in distance can be approximately 5%, 10%,15%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50% or more, depending on the application andamount of vertical compression.

Still referring to FIG. 31 , the moveable wing 1141M is angled relativeto the fixed wing 1141F when the compression element 1141 is in the openmode, i.e. not compressed or engaged with a board, and can move indirection VC when force F is applied so the angle between the wingsdecreases from a first acute angle A11 to a second acute angle A12 whenthe compression element 1141 is in the compression mode. The first angleA11 can be optionally about 10° to about 60°, inclusive, about 15° toabout 50°, inclusive, about 20° to about 45°, inclusive, or about 20° toabout 35°, inclusive, or other angles, depending on the application. Thesecond angle A12 can be optionally less than 90%, less than 80%, lessthan 75%, less than 50%, less than 25% of the first angle A11.

Like the above embodiment, the moveable wing 1141M can be tapered towardthe second end 1162S, with the first end 1162F of the moveable wingdefining a first width W3 and the second end 1162S of the moveable wingdefining a second width W4. The widths can optionally be defined betweenfirst and second side edges 1162I, 1162O of the moveable wing 1141M. Thesecond width W4 can be less than the first width W3. In the embodimentshown, the first or outer side 1162O of the moveable wing is oblique tothe first or inner side 1161I of the fixed wing so that the moveablewing is tapered on its outer side. The second or inner side 1162I of themoveable wing can be coplanar with the first or outer side 1161O of thefixed wing. In another embodiment, both sides of the moveable wing canbe oblique to the sides of the fixed wing.

With the moveable wing 1141M tapered on its outer side, the moveablewing 1141M angles toward the center of the fastener unit 1110, thecenter being optionally defined by the vertical axis VA. The second end1162S of the moveable wing is thereby disposed closer to the center ofthe fastener unit 1110, which focuses forces on the wing toward thecenter of the fastener unit, rather than dispersing forces at the outerportions of the unit.

Optionally, as best seen in FIG. 32 , the outer side surfaces 1161O ofthe compression elements 1141, 1142 are separated by a fastener unitwidth FUW. This fastener unit width FUW can be selected to enableabutting two boards on one joist, without having to remove one of theresilient compression elements 1141, 1142, allowing for a strongerfastener unit 1110. The width FUW can be optionally 1.00 inch, or 0.5inch from the center of the first fastener hole FH, optionally definedby the vertical axis VA, to either outer side surfaces 1161O.

Referring to FIGS. 29-30 , the spacer block 1120 can include a lowerportion 1126 and an upper portion 1127. The upper portion 1127 candefine a void 1127V which is open to the recess 1128. The void 1127V canbe flanked by opposing flat surfaces which can collectively define theupper surface 1127U of the spacer block 1120. The lower portion 1126 canbe generally free of any voids. The void 1127V can extend downward fromthe upper surface 1127U of the spacer block 1120 and can be sized toreceive the head 1190H of the fastener 1190 when the fastener is fullyinstalled. In some cases, the void 1127V can be of a depth sufficient toreceive substantially the entire head 1190H such that the head is belowthe upper surface 1127U and optionally not visible from the side afterthe fastener 1190 is fully installed.

A method of using the fastener unit 1110 of this alternative embodimentis similar to the method of using the embodiment above. For example, thefastener unit 1110 can be placed adjacent a side surface of a board,with the spacer block 1120 engaging that side surface and one end of thegrip element 1130 placed in the groove of the board. A user canvertically compress the moveable wing 1141M toward the fixed wing 1141Fin order to insert the ends of the compression elements 1141, 1142 intothe groove, and then release the elements 1141, 1142 to remove themanually applied compression force. As a result, the compressionelements 1141, 1142 secure the spacer block 1120 adjacent the groove. Asecond board can be moved adjacent the first board, with a gap betweenthose boards being set by the thickness T12 of the spacer block 1120 andthe other end of the grip element 1130 placed in the groove of thesecond board. The junction 1141J can guide the placement of the secondboard 102. Next, the fastener 1190 can be advanced into the underlyingjoist. The above method and steps can be repeated for additionalfastener units to further secure the boards to underlying joists.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustratedin FIGS. 34-38 and generally designated 1210. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 1210 can include a fastener 1290 similar to the fasteners describedabove. It also can include a grip element 1230 extending from a spacerblock 1220. The grip element 1230 optionally can extend from and beyondthe front and rear surfaces 1221, 1222 of the spacer block 1220. Thespacer block 1220 can be configured to establish a gap between adjacentboards, and sized with a thickness T13 similar to the thicknesses T1-T12above. The unit 1210 can include first and second resilient compressionelements 1241, 1242, 1243 and 1244 joined with the spacer block 1220.The compression elements can include respective wings 1241W, 1242W,1243W and 1244W. The wings can extend from the spacer block or abisecting plane BP2 of the fastener unit on opposite front F and rear Rsides of that bisecting plane BP2. The wings 1241W and 1243W can beopposite one another across the bisecting plane BP2, and the wings 1242Wand 1244W also can be opposite one another across the bisecting planeBP2. Of course, the second set of wings 1243W and 1244W can be absent insome embodiments, or the wings can be mixed and matched in variouscombinations. As shown and described below, the opposing sets of wingscan grip the surfaces of one or more grooves and secure the grip element1230 one or more grooves of a first board 101 and a second board 102.

With reference to FIGS. 34-37 , the spacer block 1220 and grip element1230 of this embodiment will be described in more detail. The spacerblock 1220 as mentioned above can include a first or front surface 1221which can be configured to face the first board 101 (FIG. 37 ) and asecond or rear surface 1222 which can be configured to face the secondboard 102 (FIG. 38 ). The spacer block 1220 can include a first sidesurface 1223 and a second side surface 1224 disposed on opposite sidesof a vertical axis VA of the fastener 1290. These first and second sidesof the spacer block can be disposed closer to, and inwardly relative to,the outermost side surfaces 1241O, 1243O, 1242O and 1244O of therespective resilient compression members and the fastener unit 1210 ingeneral. The spacer block 1220 as mentioned can include a thickness T13which can be similar to the thicknesses T1-T12 as described in theembodiments above to set a specific gap between the first 101 and second102 boards when they are placed adjacent one another. The spacer blockoptionally can transition at the respective sides 1223 and 1224 torespective flanges 1223F and 1224F. These flanges can extend outward tothe outermost side surfaces of the fastener unit 1210 distal from therespective sides 1223 and 1224 of the spacer block. Of course, in someapplications, the flanges can extend only part way to the outermost sidesurfaces of the fastener unit. Although not shown, the flanges caninclude openings and/or recesses to reduce material used in the fastenerunit. The flanges 1223F and 1224F also can extend under and can beintegrally formed with the grip element 1230, extending away from theside surfaces 1223 and 1224 of the spacer block toward the outermostside surfaces 1241O, 1243O, 1242O and 1244O of the respective resilientcompression members and the fastener unit 1210 in general. The flangesalso can extend under the respective resilient compression members 1241,1242, 1243 and 1244.

Optionally, the flanges 1223F and 1224F can be thinner than thethickness T13 of the spacer block setting a gap. For example, theflanges can have a thickness T14, which can be optionally less thanthree quarters, less than one half, or less than one quarter thethickness T13 the spacer block. With this thinner thickness T14, theflanges typically will not contact the side surfaces of the respectivefirst 101 and second 102 boards when the fastener unit is installedtherebetween.

The spacer block also can include an upper surface 1220U and a lowersurface 1220L. The spacer block can extend between these upper and lowersurfaces. The upper surface 1220U of the spacer block 1220 optionallycan be contiguous with and parallel to upper surface 1230U of the gripelement 1230. Indeed, these surfaces can be flush, parallel and/orcontinuous with one another. With reference to FIG. 35 , the spacerblock 1220 and the grip element 1230 also can be integrally formed as asingle piece unit. This unit can be constructed from a polymeric,composite, metal or other material. This unit can be 3D printed, molded,milled, machined, formed or otherwise constructed.

With reference to FIG. 35 , the spacer block 1220 can define a fastenerhole first fastener hole FF1. The first fastener hole FF1 can include anupper portion FF1U and a lower portion FF1L. The upper portion and lowerportion can be of similar geometric shapes. For example, the upper andlower portions can both be cylindrical. In some cases, however, one canbe frustoconical and the other can be cylindrical. In yet otherapplications, one or both of the shapes can be rectangular, square,polygonal, ellipsoid, rounded or other geometric shapes. As shown inFIGS. 34-35 , the upper portion FF1U can be of a frustoconical shape.This frustoconical shape can include frustoconical opening FO that opensinto the upper surfaces 1220U and 1230U of the spacer block and gripelement. The frustoconical opening FO can be shaped to receive the head1290H the faster 1290, which optionally also can be of a matching acorresponding frustoconical shape. Thus, when fully installed, the uppersurface 1290HU of the fastener 1290 can be flush with upper surfaces1220U and 1230U of the spacer block and the grip element surrounding thefirst fastener hole FF1. Optionally, in other configurations, the upperportion FF1U can be of a cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape canmatch a cylindrical shape or a reverse taper shape of a screw head (notshown) which can have a flat bottom before transitioning to a shaft ofthe fastener. In such a case, the cylindrical head can fit in thecylindrical upper portion FF1U of the first fastener hole FF1. In eitherconstruction, with the frustoconical opening or a cylindrical opening inthe upper portion FF1U, the screw head 1290H may or may not sit flushwith the upper surface 1220U and/or 1230U of the respective spacer blockand/or grip element.

The respective upper portion FF1U and lower portion FF1L can havedifferent diameters or dimensions. For example, the upper portion caninclude a diameter DU and the lower portion can include a diameter DL.The lower portion diameter DL can be less than the upper portiondiameter DU. It will be noted that although referred to herein as adiameter, that phrase encompasses any dimension of the first fastenerhole, regardless of whether the respective portions of the hole arecircular, elliptical, rounded or instead are polygonal. The tip 1290TPof the fastener 1290, which can be pointed, frustoconical, beveled, flator of another shape, can be inserted into and have its threads partiallybite into the lower portion FF1L.

As shown in FIGS. 34-36 , the fastener 1290 can be fixedly supported toextend above the upper surface 1220U of the spacer block before thefastener unit 1210 is installed relative to a board or its respectivegroups. The fastener also can physically engage the first fastener holeFF1 so as to fixedly support the fastener in a generally orthogonalorientation relative to the upper surfaces 1220U, 1230U. For example, asshown in FIG. 35 , the vertical axis VA of the first fastener 1290extends orthogonally to the upper surface 1220U of the spacer block 1220and to the upper surface 1230U of the grip element 1230. The fastener1290 can be supported in this upright position sufficiently so that itdoes not wobble and is not loose relative to the first fastener hole FF1defined by the spacer block 1220. Optionally, the first fastener holeFF1 also can be defined partially or fully by the grip element 1230where the grip element 1230 and the spacer block 1220 are integral withone another around the vertical axis VA of the fastener unit 1210 and/orof the first fastener 1290.

As shown in FIG. 35 , the fastener 1290 can be slightly threaded intothe spacer body with the threads 1290 T so that it is secured theretovia those threads and the interaction of the threads with the firstfastener hole FF1. The threads near the tip 1290 TP also oralternatively can be threaded into the lower portion FF1L of the firstfastener hole FF1. The tip and/or threads can effectively bite into thematerial that comprises the spacer block around the lower portion FF1Lof the hole FF1. Where the spacer block is polymeric and the fastener isa metal, the metal threads can bite into, mar and frictionally engagethe bore wall 1220BW of the bore 1220B that forms the first fastener inthis and other areas along the vertical axis VA.

With further reference to FIG. 35 , the first fastener hole FF1 can forma tapered and/or frustoconical opening FO in the upper portion FF1U.This frustoconical opening can extend and transition from the uppersurface 1220U of the spacer block 1222 to a depth D9. The depth D9optionally can be less than the thickness T14A of the grip element 1230,which extends from its upper surface 1230U to its lower surface 1230L.In some cases, the depth D9 can be the same as or greater than thethickness T14A of the grip element 1230. Below the optionalfrustoconical opening FO, the first fastener hole FF1 can transition tothe bore 1220B that extends downwardly from the frustoconical portion tothe lower surface 1220L of the spacer block 1220. The bore can include abore sidewall 1220BW. This bore sidewall can generally be of acylindrical shape and/or cross-section and can surround the firstfastener hole, optionally forming the perimeter of that first fastenerhole. The bore sidewall 1220BW can extend from the upper surface 1220Uor from the bottom of the upper portion FF1U downward to the lowersurface 1220L of the spacer block 1220. The bore and the bore sidewallcan extend downward, below the lower surface 1230L of the grip elementto the lower surface 1220L of the spacer block 1220. In this region, thebore and the bore sidewall can circumferentiate the fastener that isdisposed inside the first fastener hole below the grip element 1230. Inthis region, the spacer body 1220 also can generally circumferentiateand/or surround the vertical axis VA and the fastener 1290, with thespacer body itself extending downward from the lower surface 1230L ofthe grip element about the vertical axis VA. Optionally, the boresidewall, in surrounding the fastener, can be continuous and cancompletely surround the fastener, without extending outward beyond thespacer block, for example, to or beyond the outermost side edges nearthe side surfaces of the fastener unit. Further optionally, the lowerportion FF1L and/or the bore 1220B of the first fastener hole FF1 alsocan include steps, such that the diameter DL of the bore 1220B varies inextending from the grip element 1230 downward to the lower surface 1220Lof the spacer block 1220.

Optionally, although not shown, there can be one, two, three, four ormore different diameters DL defined in that bore 1220B. These diametersoptionally can decrease as they extend toward the lower surface 1220L.Further optionally, although not shown, the bore 1220B and/or lowerportion FF1L of the first fastener hole FF one can close off orterminate adjacent and/or above the lower surface 1220L of the spacerbody. In this case, the bottom of the bore and first fastener hole canbe closed. Where the bottom of the hole is closed, the material in thatregion can be thinned or can have a density, shape or property such thatthe tip 1290TP of the fastener 1290 can penetrate, break through and/orextend through the closure in that region to extend out of the firstfastener hole. Further optionally, as shown in FIG. 35 , the firstfastener hole FF1 can be at least partially plugged by the fastenerdisposed in it, before the fastener unit is even installed relative toany board.

As mentioned above, the first fastener hole FF1 can extend partiallythrough the grip element 1230 as well as the spacer block 1220. Aroundthe first fastener hole FF1, these components can form an integral,one-piece component that defines the first fastener hole. Portions ofthe upper portion FF1U and lower portion FF1L of the first fastener holeFF1 can be defined in the grip element 1230 and/or the spacer body block1220. In some cases, the first fastener hole FF1 optionally can be of auniform tubular construction, with a bore sidewall that is tubular fromthe upper surface 1220U to the lower surface 1220L. In such aconstruction, however, the head 1290H of the fastener 1290 might notbury itself flush into the hole, and might extend above the uppersurface 1220U of the spacer block and/or the upper surface 1230U of thegrip element when fully installed.

As mentioned above, the grip element 1230 can be integrally formed withthe spacer block 1220. With reference to FIGS. 34-36A, the grip element1230 can extend outward from the front 1221 and rear 1222 surfaces ofthe spacer block, at least in the area around the vertical axis VA. Thegrip element 1230 optionally can be a greater length L5 then the lengthL6 of the spacer block 1220. The length L5 of the grip element howevercan be less than the overall length L7 of the fastener unit extending tothe outermost side surfaces of the unit. The grip element can bedisposed above the spacer body. As shown, the grip element can belocated a height HS above the lower surface 1220L of the spacer body1220. This height HS optionally can be less than, equal to, or greaterthan the height HG at which the first groove of the board is from thelower surface 101L of the board 101 as shown in FIG. 37 . Where theheight HS is less than the height HG, when the fastener unit 1210 isinstalled, the spacer body lower surface 1220L does not contact orsubstantially engage the upper surface of the underlying joist 106U. Insuch a case, the lower surface can be disposed a small distance HL abovethe joist. Of course, where height HS is the same as or greater than theheight HG, that surface 1220L can engage the upper surface 106U of thejoist 106.

Optionally, the grip element 1230 can include on its lower surface 1230La multitude of grip ridges 1230R. As shown in FIGS. 35, 36A and 37 ,these grip ridges 1230R can extend downwardly from the lower surface1230L. As shown, there can be one or more rows 1230R1 and 1230R2 of theridges disposed on each of the grip element overhangs 1230H1 and 1230H2,which are disposed on opposite sides of the bisecting plane BP2, andgenerally associated with the different grip element parts 1230A and1230B. These ridges can extend from the lower surface 1230L by a ridgeheight RH. This ridge height RH can be less than the thickness of thegrip element in some cases. The individual ridges can be separated fromone another a preselected distance and spaces along the lower surface1230L and overhangs 1230H1 and 1230H2. The rows of ridges can extendbeyond the length L6 of the spacer body 1220, and outward therefrom.

The ridges 1230R can be of a generally triangular shape as shown inFIGS. 36A and 37 . Optionally, the ridges can be of other polygonal,rounded, hemispherical, or other shapes depending on the application andsuitable engagement with the lower surfaces of the board grooves. Theridges also can be configured so that the tips 1230RT of the individualridges 1230R are disposed closer to the spacer body 1220 than the frontedges 1230FE of the ridges, optionally when the ridges are in atriangular or polygonal shape. The tips also can include a rear wall1230RW, below the tips 1230RT, which can extend optionallyperpendicularly to the grip element lower surface 1230L. With the tipsin this configuration, they optionally can bite into the groove lowersurface 109L, as shown for example in FIG. 37 . Each of the ridges 1230Roptionally can include a landing surface 1230L that is generally a flator planar surface on the outermost extremity of the ridge, distal fromthe bisecting plane BP2, which transitions to the edge 1230FE of theridge. The outer row 1230R1 of the ridges optionally can have landings1230L that transition to a ramped or wedge surface 1236. This rampedsurface 1236 can be at an angle relative to the lower surface 1230L ofthe grip element 1230. Optionally, the landing surfaces 1230L and theramped surfaces 1236 of the ridges in the first row 1230R can lay in thesame plane. The ramped surfaces 1236 can be configured to facilitateinsertion of the grip element 1230 in a respective groove 109 of thefirst board 101 and/or a second groove 110 of the second board 102.

As shown in FIG. 36A, the respective ridges in the first row 1230R1 canbe offset relative to the second ridges in the second row 1230R2. Insome cases, the ridges in the second row can be centered relative to theridges in the first row 1230R1. Of course, other configurations can beselected depending on the application. Optionally, the offsetting of theridges from one row to the next can distribute the forces exerted by therespective ridges against the lower surfaces of the grooves when thefastener unit is fastened down via the fastener 1290 being advanced intothe underlying joist.

The grip element 1230 as noted above can extend outwardly from thespacer block 1220 on opposite sides of the bisecting plane BP2 in acantilevered manner. The grip element also can extend outwardly over theflanges 1223F and 1224F in these directions. Optionally, in some cases,the flanges 1224F, 1223F can include additional spacer blocks 1220′ onopposite sides of the spacer block, shown in broken lines in FIG. 36A.These spacer blocks can be disposed under the respective resilientcompression elements at the opposing ends of the fastener unit 1210.These additional spacer blocks can include a thickness that is the sameas, less than, or greater than the thickness T13, depending on theapplication.

The grip element 1230 can include outer lateral edges. For example, asshown in FIGS. 36 and 36A, the first part 1230A of the grip element 1230that extends to the front F of the bisecting plane BP can be bounded byrespective outer lateral edges 1230AE1, 1230AE2. A second part 1230B ofthe grip element 1230 that extends from the fastener unit 1210 on theopposite side, to the rear R of the bisecting plane BP2, can be boundedby respective outer lateral edges 1230BE2 and 1230BE4. These lateraledges can extend inwardly toward the flanges 1223F and 1224F and/or thespacer block depending on their location and the width of the parts ofthe grip element. These lateral edges can transition to respectivetransition corners 1240C that extend inwardly toward the bisecting planeBP2 under the grip element parts.

The respective lateral edges of the grip element parts 1230A and 1230Bcan be separated by respective elongated slots or gaps G12 from therespective resilient compression elements 1241, 1242, 1243 and 1244. Theelongated slots or gaps G12 can be of a width that optionally can beless than the length of the grip element L5, less than the length of thespacer body L6, and/or less than the width WA of each of the respectiveresilient compression elements and any wings thereof. In some cases, theelongated slots or gaps G12 can have a width or dimension that is atleast one tenth, at least one quarter, at least one half, less thanhalf, or less than the width WA of the compression elements and/or theirwings. Of course in other cases, these elongated slots or gaps G12 canbe of a width greater than or equal to the width WA. In some cases, thewidths WA of the resilient oppression elements or wings 1241, 1242 onopposite sides of the vertical axis VA can be equal, greater than orless than one another. The same is true for the resilient compressionelements and/or wings 1243 and 1244 on the opposite sides of thebisecting plane BP2. The elongated slots or gaps G12 also can be of alength L8 (FIG. 34 ) that is greater than the width WA of the respectivearms, but as less than the length of the spacer body and/or the width ofthe grip element part 1230A that extends outward from the bisectingplane BP2.

Turning to FIGS. 34, 36 and 36A, the resilient compression elements willbe described in more detail. To begin, the resilient compressionelements can be configured to move, reorient, or change shape orconfiguration so as to fit within a respective groove of a board. Ingeneral, the resilient compression elements can be configured to securethe spacer block adjacent one or more grooves of one or more boards thatlie adjacent one another. In turn, this can establish a gap between theadjacent boards via the spacer block. The resilient compression elementscan optionally compress substantially vertically and/or dynamicallytoward and/or away from a reference plane RP, which can be aligned withand/or contiguous with and/or below the lower surface 1230L of the gripelement 1230.

As mentioned above, each of the respective resilient compressionelements 1241, 1242, 1243 and 1244 can include respective wings 1241W1242W, 1243W, and 1244W. Each of the resilient compression elements andrespective wings can be spaced laterally outward from the respectiveedges of the grip element. In effect, these wings can be spaced fartherfrom the lateral sides 1223 and 1224 of the spacer body than the edgesof the grip element for example 1230AE2, 1230AE1, 1230BE2 and 1230BE4.Indeed, the wings can be disposed outwardly relative to these edges fromthe vertical axis VA. Each of the wings can be substantially identicalas illustrated. Of course in other applications, the wings can differ instructure, shape and operation, depending on the application.

For purposes of this disclosure, only one of the wings 1241W will bedescribed in substantial detail, with the understanding that the otherwings can have similar or identical components, structure and function.With reference to FIGS. 35 and 36 , the first wing 1241W can include afirst elongated arm 1241A that extends in a cantilevered manner awayfrom the bisecting plane BP2 of the fastener unit 1210. As mentionedabove, this bisecting plane BP2 can have the vertical axis VA coincidentwith it. The first elongated arm 1241A can include a proximal end 1241Pand a distal end 1241D. The proximal end 1241P can be joined with acentral extension 1230C of the grip element 1230 and/or the spacer block1220 that extends toward the outermost side surfaces of the fastenerunit. The arm 1241A can include an upper surface 1241AU that can laywithin same plane as the upper surfaces of one or more of the spacerblock and/or grip element. Optionally, the upper surfaces of each ofthese elements, that is the upper surface 1230U and 1220U, can laywithin same plane and can be the same as one another. Indeed, the spacerblock and grip element can be contiguous with one another verticallyand/or horizontally within the fastener unit 1210.

With further reference to FIGS. 36 and 36A, the first elongated arm1241A can also include a lower surface 1241AL. This lower surface 1241ALcan be disposed above the lower surface 1230L of the grip element, butbelow the upper surface 1230U of the grip element. The elongated firstarm 1241A also can have a thickness T14B that is less than the thicknessof the grip element and/or the thickness of the spacer body. The firstwing 1241A can include an end portion 1241E that is joined at the distalend 1241D. This end portion can optionally include a curved upperportion 1241EC and/or a ramped portion 1241ER. As shown the curvedportion can transition to the ramped portion. The ramped portion 1241ERcan transition to the outer edge 1241OE of the wing 1241W. This outeredge 1241OE can extend out from the bisecting plane BP2 the samedistance as the outer edge 1237 of the grip element 1230 on the sameside of the bisecting plane BP2. In other applications, this edge can berecessed relative to the edge 1237 and can terminate closer to thebisecting plane BP2, or can extend beyond the edge 1237.

The first end portion 1241E as mentioned above can include a rampedportion 1241ER. This ramped portion 1241ER can be angled at an angle A2relative to the reference plane RP. This angle A2 optionally can be lessthan 90°, less than 60° degrees, less than 45°, less than 30°, between0° and 60°, inclusive, between 0° and 50°, inclusive or about 45°. Thisramped surface on the outer end of the wing can allow the wing tovertically compress downward relative to the reference plane RP when thegrip element and resilient compression elements 1241, 1242 are insertedinto a groove 109 of the board. For example, as shown in FIG. 37 , thefastener unit can be moved in direction R5 so that the arm 1241 and wing1241W (as well as the other arm 1242 and wing 1242W on the opposingside, but not shown) are inserted into the groove 109. When this occurs,the ramped portion 1241ER can engage the corner 109C, which may beangled or rounded depending on the board. The corner can exert adownward force F8 on the ramped portion and thus the wing 1241W. As aresult, the elongated arm 1241A can bend or flex resiliently and/ordynamically. The arm or wing can bend or flex about a fixed axis, ordynamically bend or flex about multiple axes. In so doing, the endportion 1241E can move downward relative to the reference plane RP. Asthis occurs, the fastener unit 1210 continues to be moved in directionR5 by user. The grip ridges 1230R also can engage the lower surface 109Lof the groove 109. The upper surface 1230U of the grip element 1230 cancontact and/or engage the upper surface 109U of the groove. The rampedportion 1241ER and/or the portion 1241EC, which optionally can becurved, also can engage this upper surface 109U of the groove after thatportion passes the corner 109C and can continue to move or slide alongthis upper surface, farther into the groove.

Optionally, as the force F8 is exerted by the groove against the wing toflex or bend it downward, opposite corresponding forces are exerted bythe wing against the groove. As a result, the resilient compressionelement vertically compresses, and optionally the wing is compresseddownward, and the arm and/or end portion can bend or flex. In general,the first wing 1241W, as well as the second wing 1242W, can move up anddown beside, but spaced from, the grip element and the respective edgesof the grip element, when the first wing, second wing and grip elementare simultaneously placed in the groove 109. Further, as the resilientcompression elements and wings are compressed, they exert another forceon the associated grip element and ridges under the parts of the gripelement. For example, the wings urge and press the grip element andridges downward inside the groove, toward the lower surface 109L of thegroove. This in turn causes the grip element part 1230A and anyassociated ridges 1230R to press down and against the lower surface ofthe groove. Optionally, the wings of the resilient compression elementscan engage the upper surface of the groove, without engaging the lowersurface of the groove, simultaneously while the grip element and/or anyridges engage the lower surface of the groove, without engaging theupper surface of the groove.

As shown in FIG. 37 , the fastener unit 1210 can be moved farther indirection R5 until the spacer block 1220 and in particular the frontsurface 1221 engages the lower side surface 101S of the board 101 underthe groove 109. Due to the optional vertical compression of theresilient compression elements 1241 and 1242 on the same side of thebisecting plane BP2 within the first groove 109, and the opposingcorresponding force of those elements on the upper surface 109U of thegroove, the spacer body 1220 is held in place adjacent the board andmore particularly against the side surface 101S of the board under thegroove 109. In general, the fastener unit 1210 is held in place againstthe side surface of the board 101, and near the grove 109, with portionsof the fastener unit disposed in the groove to support it there.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 36 , the resilient compressionelements can be disposed on opposite sides of the respective gripelement parts 1230A and 1230B. For example, the grip element part 1230Acan be disposed between the first compression element 1241 and thesecond compression element 1242, and their respective wings. The secondpart 1230B of the grip element 1230 can be disposed between the thirdcompression element 1243 and fourth compression element 1244, and theirrespective wings.

A method of using the fastener unit 1210 of this embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 37 and 38 . In general, the method caninclude: providing a fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer blockdefining a first fastener hole, a grip element projecting outward fromthe spacer block, with the first fastener projecting into the firstfastener hole so that the first fastener is fixedly supported and heldwithin the first fastener hole such that a head of the first fastenerprojects above the spacer block, a first resilient compression elementextending from the spacer block, and a second resilient compressionelement extending from the spacer block; placing the fastener unit overa joist; positioning the grip element so the grip element extends into afirst groove of a first board; and advancing the fastener through thefirst fastener hole of the spacer block, wherein the head of thefastener forces the grip element into engagement with the first groove,thereby urging the first board toward the joist.

More particularly, with reference to FIG. 37 , the fastener unit 1210can be moved in direction R5 toward a side surface 101S of a first board101. The first board can define a groove 109 having an upper groovesurface 109U and a lower groove surface 109L. The grip element 1230 andarms 1241, 1242 of the same side F of the bisecting plane BP2 as thefront surface 1221 of the spacer body 1220 can be inserted into thegroove 109. As described above, the ramped portion 1241ER of the wing1241W (as well as the ramped portion and wing of the arm 1242) canengage the corner 109C and/or upper surface 109U of the recess. As thisoccurs, the wing and resilient compression elements in general forciblyengage the recess with a force that corresponds and is reactive to theforce F8. The compression elements vertically compress relative to thereference plane RP and bend about the respective arms. Due to thereactive forces exerted by the compression elements and/or wings, thegrip ridges 1230R are urged downward, and can engage the lower surface109L of the first groove 109.

The fastener unit 1210 can continue to be moved in direction R5 of theuser. The spacer body 1220 can engage the side surface 101S of the board101. The resilient compression elements optionally can secure thefastener unit in place so that the spacer body remains with the frontsurface 1221 engaging the side surface 101S. Optionally, the lowersurface 1220L of the spacer block is spaced a distance HL above theupper surface 106U of the joist. Optionally, where the spacer block 1220is longer, it may slightly and/or fully engage the upper surface.

Further optionally, although not shown in this particular embodiment,when the grip element part 1230A and the respective resilientcompression elements 1241, 1242 are fully inserted in the first groove109, part of the fastener unit, such as a tertiary spacer blockdescribed below, also can engage the side surface 101F of the board 101above the groove 109. In some cases, the fastener 1290 itself mightengage part of that side surface 101F above the groove.

With reference to FIG. 38 , the second board 102 can be moved indirection R6 toward the first board 101 and the already installedfastener unit 1210 in the first board 101. In so doing, the wings andresilient compression elements 1243 1244 and the opposing side of thebisecting plane BP2 are inserted into the second groove 110 of thesecond board 102. The wings of the respective compression elements 1243and 1244 function similarly to the wings 1241 and 1242. The wings of theresilient compression elements 1233 and 1244 can vertically compress andexert a force on the upper surface of the second groove 110. This urgesthe fastener unit down, which in turn causes the grip element part 1230Band its ridges to engage the lower surface of the groove. The board 102can be moved until its side surface 102F below the groove 110 engagesthe rear surface 1222 of the spacer block 1220. The spacer block is thussandwiched between the side surfaces 101S and 102F of the respectivefirst and second boards. In turn, this maintains a gap G13 between theboard side surfaces. This gap G13 corresponds to the thickness T13 ofthe spacer body located between the side surfaces.

With the fastener unit 1210 installed relative to the first and secondgrooves of the first and second boards, a tool 111 can be used to rotatethe fastener 1290, for example in direction R7. As this occurs, thethreads of the fastener 1290 and the tip advance through the respectivefirst fastener hole, and its upper and lower portions as describedabove. The tip 1290TP penetrates through the lower surface 1220L of thespacer block, then penetrates the upper surface 106U of the joist 106.The fastener continues to advance until the head 1290H of the fastenerengages the fastener unit. When this occurs, the fastener unit is moveddownward and the grip ridges 1230R further engage the lower surfaces109L and 110L of the respective first and second grooves to grip theboards and hold them in place. The faster 1290 can be advanced so thatthe upper surface 1290HU of the head 1290H is above, flush with or belowthe upper surfaces 1220U and/or 1230U of the spacer block and/or gripelement.

Another alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 39-42 and generally designated 1310. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 1310 can include a fastener 1390 similar to the fasteners describedabove. It also can include a grip element 1330 extending from a spacerblock 1320. The grip element 1320 optionally can extend from and beyondthe front and rear surfaces 1321, 1322 of the spacer block 1320. Thespacer block 1320 can be configured to establish a gap G14 betweenadjacent boards, and sized with a thickness T14C similar to thethicknesses T1-T14 above. This unit 1320 also can include first 1341 andsecond 1342 compression elements that extend outward from the bisectingplane BP2. In this embodiment, however, the resilient compressionelements might only extend from the front side F of the bisecting planeBP2. These compression elements also can be of a size, shape andconfiguration similar to that in the embodiment shown above in FIGS.29-32 .

The first and second compression elements can be similar in structureand function so only the first resilient compression element 1341 willbe described here. The compression element 1341 can include a wing 1341Wwhich can include a movable wing portion 1341M and an immovable or fixedwing portion 1341I. The movable wing portion 1341M can be joined at atransition 1341T to the immovable or fixed wing portion 1341I. Themovable wing 1341M can be vertically compressed and/or moved indirection R8 when installed in a groove.

This can be understood with a description of a method of installing thefastener unit 1310 relative to boards. Referring to FIG. 42 , thefastener unit 1310 can first be installed relative to a first groove 109of the first board 101. To do so, a user can install the first wing 1341in the groove 109. The user can then tilt the fastener 1390 toward theupper side surface 109F of the board and slide the wing and compressionelement into the groove 109. As this occurs, the wing is pushed upwardin direction R8 under the force F9 exerted by the board. Of course, thewing exerts a corresponding force, opposite the force F9. This pushesthe grip element 1330 and the upper surface 1330U of the grip elementupward against the upper surface 109U of the groove 109. The movableportion of the wing 1341M exerts a vertical force upward to push thegrip element 1330 into the upper surface of the groove. The movable wing1341M remains flexed or bent when initially installed in the firstgroove 109. Again this exerts a force on the groove by the fastener unitto secure the spacer body adjacent the first side surface 101S of thefirst board 101.

The second board 102 then can be moved over the joist 106 toward thefirst board 101 such that the opposing part 1330B of the grip elemententers into the second groove 110 of the second board. As it does so,the upper surface 1330U of the grip element can engage the upper surface110U of the groove 110 while the ridges 1320R engage the lower surface110L of the groove 110. The fastener 1390 can be advanced to secure thefastener unit in place, and secure the boards 101 and 102 against thejoist, with the grip element 1330 pulling down on them, as described inconnection with the embodiments above.

A further alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 43-46 and generally designated 1410. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 1410 can include a fastener 1490 similar to the fasteners describedabove securely joined with the fastener unit 1410. It also can include agrip element 1430 extending from a spacer block 1320. The grip element1430 optionally can extend from and beyond the front and rear surfaces1421, 1422 of the spacer block 1420. The spacer block 1420 can beconfigured to establish a gap G15 between adjacent boards, and sizedwith a thickness T15 similar to the thicknesses T1-T14 above.

The unit 1410 can include resilient compression elements 1441, 1442,1443 and 1444 joined with the spacer block 1420. The compressionelements can include respective wings 1441W, 1442W, 1443W and 1444W. Thewings can extend from the spacer block or a bisecting plane BP2 of thefastener unit on opposite front F and rear R sides of that bisectingplane BP2. The wings 1441W and 1443W can be opposite one another acrossthe bisecting plane BP2; and the wings 1442W and 1444W can be oppositeone another across the bisecting plane BP2. Optionally, the second setof wings 1443W and 1444W can be absent in some embodiments. As shown anddescribed below, the opposing sets of wings can be used to grip andsecure the grip element 1430 in opposing grooves of a first board 101and a second board 102 simultaneously after placement.

In this embodiment, the fastener unit 1410 also can include additionalelements to space one board from the next. For example, the fastenerunit 1410 can include a primary spacer block 1420, but also can includesecondary spacer blocks 1420A and 1420B disposed at opposite sides ofthe fastener unit, optionally opposing one another across the verticalaxis VA. These secondary spacer blocks 1420A and 1420B can includebuttresses 1420M, which extend upward toward the grip element 1430and/or the respective compression elements. These buttresses 1420M canprovide extra support for the secondary spacer blocks 1420A and 1420B.The spacer blocks also can have a thickness T15 similar or the same asthe thickness of the primary spacer block 1420.

In this embodiment, the fastener unit 1410 can also include one or moretertiary spacer blocks 1420C and 1420D. The tertiary spacer blocks canproject above the upper surface 1430U of the grip element 1430 apreselected distance L10. This distance L10 can be less than the heightHS the spacer block 1420 extending below the grip element 1430. Thetertiary spacer blocks can include a thickness that is the same as thethickness T15 of the primary spacer block 1420. When this tertiaryspacer blocks above the grip element 1430, the tertiary spacer blockscan engage the side surface of the board above the grooves within whichthe grip element 1430 extend as described below. Optionally, thetertiary spacer blocks can define a part of the first fastener hole FF1,which can be similar to the other first fastener holes of the otherembodiments above.

The resilient compression elements of this embodiment also can besomewhat different from the embodiments described above. The compressionelements 1441, 1442, 1443 and 1444 can be similar in structure andfunction so only the first resilient compression element 1441 will bedescribed here. The compression element 1441 can include a wing 1441Wwhich can include a movable wing portion 1441M and an immovable or fixedwing portion 1441I. The movable wing 1441M can be vertically compressedand/or moved in direction R9 when installed in a groove. The movablewing 1441M also can include an outermost ramped portion 1441ER that canfacilitate entry of the wing into a groove and bending or flexing of thewing in direction R9 when so installed in the groove.

This can be understood with a description of a method of installing thefastener unit 1410 relative to boards. Referring to FIG. 46 , thefastener unit 1410 can first be installed relative to a first groove 109of the first board 101. To do so, a user can install the first andsecond resilient compression elements 1441 and 1442 along with the firstpart 1430A of the grip element 1430 in the groove 109. As the user doesso, the movable portion 1441M of the wing 1441 bends or flexes indirection R9. The engagement of the ramped portion 1441ER with thecorner 109C of the groove 109 can assist in moving the wing in thisdirection. With the wing bent, it exerts a force against the uppersurface 109U of the groove. A corresponding, opposite force is exertedon the grip element so that it is urged downward against the lowersurface 109L of the groove. The wing thus biases itself and the gripelement against the respective upper and lower surfaces of the groove tosecure the grip element and fastener unit within the groove. In sodoing, the spacer block 1420 also can be brought into engagement withthe side surface 109S of the board. The secondary spacer blocks 1420Aand 1420B can be brought into engagement with that side surface 109Sunder the groove. In addition, the tertiary spacer blocks 1420C and1420D can be brought into engagement with the side surface 109F of thefirst board 101 above the groove 109.

The second board 102 then can be moved over the joist 106 such that theopposing part 1430B of the grip element and the compression elements1443 and 1444 enter into the second groove 110 of the second board 102.As these elements do so, the resilient compression elements 1443 and1444 engage the upper surface 110U in a similar manner to that of thefirst and second compression elements described above. This, in turn,further secures the grip element and the associated compression elementswithin the second groove 110. The spacer block 1420, the secondaryspacer blocks 1420A and 1420B also engage the side surface 110S belowthe second groove 110. Any included tertiary spacer blocks 1420C and1420D also engage the side surface 110F above the groove 110. Thefastener 1390 then can be advanced to secure the fastener unit in place,and secure the boards 101 and 102 against the joist, with the gripelement 1330 pulling down on them, as described in connection with theembodiments above.

A further alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is illustrated inFIGS. 47-50 and generally designated 1510. The fastener unit of thisembodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to theembodiments described above with several exceptions. For example, thisunit 1510 can include a fastener 1590 similar to the fasteners describedabove to secure boards joined with the fastener unit 1510. It also caninclude a grip element 1530 extending from a spacer block 1520. The gripelement 1530 optionally can extend from and beyond the front and rearsurfaces 1521, 1522 of the spacer block 1520. The spacer block 1520 canbe configured to establish a gap between adjacent boards, and sized witha thickness T16 similar to the thicknesses T1-T15 above.

This fastener unit 1510 can include first 1541 and second 1542compression elements extending on opposite sides of a bisecting planeBP2. These first and second compression elements 1541 and 1542 can besimilar to the compression elements 1441-1444 described above. In thisembodiment, however, these compression elements and the associated wings1541W and 1542W are disposed between different parts of the grip element1530 opposite sides of the vertical axis VA. For example, the first wing1541W can be disposed in a recess 1541R between a first grip elementpart 1530A and a second grip element part 1530C. The second wing 1542Wcan be disposed on the opposite side of the bisecting plane BP2, and ina second recess 1542R, located between the third grip element part 1530Band a fourth grip element part 1530D.

The first and second wings 1541W and 1542W and compression elements1541, 1542 can be similar to those of the embodiments describedimmediately above. For example, in use, the fastener unit 1510 can beinstalled such that the first compression element 1541 and associatedwing 1541W, as well as the grip element parts 1530A and 1530C areinserted into a first groove 109 of a first board 101. Insertion cancontinue until the spacer block 1520, as well as any secondary andtertiary spacer blocks shown in the figures, engage the respective sidesurfaces 101S above and 101F below the first groove 109. The secondboard 102 can then be slid or moved along the joist 106 such that thesecond wing 1542W and second resilient compression element 1542 enterthe second groove 110 of the second board 102. When this occurs, thewing can compress and exert a force against the upper surface of thesecond groove, which also can cause the grip element parts 1530B and1530D to engage the lower surface of the second groove, thereby securingthe fastener until relative to the second groove and second board. Aswith the embodiments above, wings and the resilient compression elementscan forcibly expand and engage the grooves to hold the fastener unit1510 adjacent the board surfaces by exerting forces on the interiorsurfaces of the respective grooves. The spacer block 1520 can establishthe appropriate gap between the first and second boards. The fastener1590 can be installed and advanced into the underlying joist 106 tosecure the fastener unit between the boards, and to secure or clamp theboards 101 and 102 to the underlying joist 106.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are usedto assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of theembodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional termsshould not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specificorientations.

In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being“joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or“coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joinedwith, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the othercomponent, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, partsor layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to asbeing “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,”“directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to”another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layerspresent. Other words used to describe the relationship betweencomponents, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner,such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As usedherein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one ormore of the associated listed items.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thebroader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims,which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patentlaw including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presentedfor illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustivedescription of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope ofthe claims to the specific elements illustrated or described inconnection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation,any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced byalternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality orotherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example,presently known alternative elements, such as those that might becurrently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements thatmay be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in theart might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, thedisclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are describedin concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection ofbenefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodimentsthat include all of these features or that provide all of the statedbenefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in theissued claims. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Yand Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, anycombination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z,and/or any other possible combination together or alone of thoseelements, noting that the same is open ended and can include otherelements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener unit adapted to secure at least oneboard to a support, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer blockincluding an upper portion and a lower portion, the spacer blockdefining a void in the upper portion and a first fastener holeconfigured to receive a fastener therein, the first fastener hole beingdefined at a bottom of the void, the void being wider than a head of thefastener so that the fastener can seat within the void when the fastenerunit is installed, the spacer block having a thickness corresponding toa preselected gap between a first board and an adjacent second board; agrip element having a length that is greater than the thickness of thespacer block so that the grip element extends outward from the spacerblock on a first surface and an opposing second surface of the spacerblock, the grip element configured to fit in a first groove defined bythe first board; and a first resilient compression element extendingfrom the first surface and being bendable relative to a reference planethat is aligned with the grip element, the first resilient compressionelement configured to engage a groove surface of the first groove andsecure the spacer block adjacent the first groove to establish a gapbetween the first board and the adjacent second board, wherein thespacer block defines a grip element recess which extends below the void,wherein the first fastener hole is aligned with the grip element recess,wherein the grip element recess is shaped to receive the grip elementtherethrough and extends from the first surface to the second surface,wherein the grip element defines a second fastener hole through whichthe fastener extends.
 2. The fastener unit of claim 1, wherein thefastener includes a tip with threads extending below the head, the tipdisposed within the lower portion and the threads disposed within theupper portion before the fastener unit is installed.
 3. The fastenerunit of claim 1, wherein the grip element recess is a first U shape andthe grip element is a second U shape, wherein the second U shape of thegrip element occupies the first U shape of the grip element recess. 4.The fastener unit of claim 3, wherein the grip element includes a firstend that is configured to engage the first groove distal from the firstresilient compression element, whereby the spacer block is suspendedadjacent the first groove.
 5. The fastener unit of claim 4, wherein thegrip element is constructed from metal, wherein the spacer block andfirst resilient compression element are constructed from a polymericmaterial and integrally formed with one another.
 6. The fastener unit ofclaim 1, wherein the first resilient compression element and the gripelement extend outwardly adjacent one another from the first surface,wherein a second resilient compression element extends outwardlyadjacent the grip element from the first surface, wherein the gripelement extends between the first resilient compression element and thesecond resilient compression element.
 7. A fastener unit adapted tosecure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising: aspacer block including an upper portion and a lower portion, the spacerblock defining a void in the upper portion and a first fastener holeconfigured to receive a fastener therein, the first fastener hole beingdefined at a bottom of the void, the void being wider than a head of thefastener so that the fastener can seat within the void when the fastenerunit is installed, the spacer block having a thickness corresponding toa preselected gap between a first board and an adjacent second board; agrip element having a length that is greater than the thickness of thespacer block so that the grip element extends outward from the spacerblock on a first surface and an opposing second surface of the spacerblock, the grip element configured to fit in a first groove defined bythe first board; and a first resilient compression element extendingfrom the first surface and being bendable relative to a reference planethat is aligned with the grip element, the first resilient compressionelement configured to engage a groove surface of the first groove andsecure the spacer block adjacent the first groove to establish a gapbetween the first board and the adjacent second board, wherein thespacer block defines a grip element recess extending from the firstsurface to the second surface, wherein the grip element occupies thegrip element recess, which receives the grip element, below the void andincludes a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole sothat the fastener can extend simultaneously in the first fastener holeand the second fastener hole.
 8. A fastener unit adapted to secure atleast one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising: a spacerblock including an upper portion and a lower portion, the spacer blockhaving a thickness between a first surface and a second surface of thespacer block, the thickness configured to set a preselected gap betweena first board and an adjacent second board which the spacer blockengages when installed, the spacer block defining a first fastener holeconfigured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer block defining agrip element recess extending through the thickness of the spacer blockfrom the first surface to the second surface; a first resilient elementprojecting away from a first surface of the spacer block, the firstresilient element configured to engage a first groove of the firstboard; a second resilient element projecting away from the first surfaceof the spacer block, the second resilient element configured to engagethe first groove of the first board distal from the first resilientelement within the first groove; a grip element disposed between thefirst resilient element and the second resilient element and projectingaway from the first surface of the spacer block, the grip elementconfigured to engage the first groove of the first board, the gripelement positioned in the grip element recess and extending through thethickness between the first surface and the second surface within thegrip element recess, the grip element projecting away from the secondsurface of the spacer block on an opposite side of the thickness of thespacer block, the grip element defining a second fastener hole alignedwith the first fastener hole configured to receive the fastener, whereinthe first resilient element and the second resilient element arebendable relative to a reference plane that is aligned with the gripelement, wherein the spacer block is securable adjacent the first grooveto establish a gap between the first board and the adjacent secondboard.
 9. The fastener unit of claim 8, wherein the spacer block definesa void in the upper portion, wherein the first fastener hole is definedat a bottom of the void, the void being wider than a head of thefastener so that the fastener can seat within the void when the fastenerunit is installed.
 10. The fastener unit of claim 8, wherein the upperportion is of the thickness corresponding to the preselected gap betweenthe first board and the adjacent second board.
 11. The fastener unit ofclaim 8, wherein the grip element is in the form of a channel that opensdownward, wherein the grip element defines the second fastener holewhich is aligned with the first fastener hole, wherein the fastenerextends through the first fastener hole of the spacer block and thesecond fastener hole of the grip element.
 12. The fastener unit of claim8, wherein the first resilient element and the second resilient elementeach are configured to engage an upper surface of the first groove,without engaging a lower surface of the first groove, simultaneouslywhile the grip element engages the lower surface of the first groove,without engaging the upper surface of the first groove.
 13. The fastenerunit of claim 12, wherein the first resilient element and the secondresilient element extend above an upper surface of the grip element. 14.A method of using a fastener unit, the method comprising: placing aspacer block adjacent a first board so that the spacer block engages afirst side surface above and below a first groove defined by the firstboard so that a thickness of the spacer block can establish apreselected gap between the first board and a later placed secondadjacent board; inserting a grip element into the first groove; andinserting a resilient compression element into the first groove so thatthe resilient compression element bends to exert a force against agroove surface of the first groove and suspend the spacer block adjacentthe first board before the later placed second adjacent board is placedadjacent the first board, wherein the spacer block defines a recessextending through the thickness, wherein the grip element is disposed inthe recess and engaged with the spacer block in the recess, the gripelement having a length greater than the thickness, wherein theresilient compression element extends from the spacer block adjacent thegrip element so that the grip element and the resilient compressionelement can be simultaneously disposed in the first groove, wherein thespacer block defines a first fastener hole aligned with a secondfastener hole defined by the grip element so that a fastener can extendthrough the first fastener hole and the second fastener hole.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, comprising: placing the second adjacent boardadjacent the first board so that the grip element enters a second grooveof the second adjacent board while the spacer block is suspendedadjacent the first board, wherein the spacer block establishes the gapbetween the first board and the second adjacent board above and belowthe first groove.
 16. The method of claim 15 comprising: advancing thefastener through the first fastener hole defined by the spacer block andthe second fastener hole defined by the grip element so that a head ofthe fastener enters a void defined in an upper portion of the spacerblock above the grip element.
 17. The method of claim 14 comprising:engaging the resilient compression element against an upper surface ofthe first groove, without engaging a lower surface of the first groove,while simultaneously engaging the grip element against the lower surfaceof the first groove, without engaging the upper surface of the firstgroove.